The Effectiveness of Schema Therapy on Psychological Well-Being and Self-Compassion in Psychosomatic Patients
Keywords:
Psychosomatic patients, Schema therapy, Psychological well-being, Self-compassionAbstract
This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of schema therapy on psychological well-being and self-compassion in psychosomatic patients. This semi-experimental study employed a pre-test–post-test control group design with a two-month follow-up. The statistical population included psychosomatic patients attending a psychology clinic in Tehran. A total of 30 participants were selected via convenience sampling and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups (15 each). The experimental group received ten 90-minute sessions of schema therapy, while the control group received no intervention. Data were collected using the Keyes and Magyar-Moe Mental Well-Being Scale (2003) and Neff’s Self-Compassion Scale (2003). Data analysis was performed using repeated measures ANOVA. Results revealed significant between-group differences in self-compassion (P = 0.008) and psychological well-being (P = 0.024). Within-group comparisons indicated significant improvements across pre-test, post-test, and follow-up phases for both variables (P < 0.001). Interaction effects of group and time were also significant for both outcomes (P < 0.001). Effect sizes were reported as 0.71 for self-compassion and 0.653 for psychological well-being. Schema therapy significantly enhances self-compassion and psychological well-being in psychosomatic patients by addressing and modifying early maladaptive schemas. It can serve as an effective intervention in clinical treatment for this population.
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