Maliheh Pazooki, Elahe Jafarpoor, Zahra Hajati, Sara Malakmohammadi,
Volume 12, Issue 4 (Volume12, Issue 4 2025)
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the mediating role of cognitive self-efficacy in the relationship between early maladaptive schemas and psychological vitality in individuals with generalized anxiety disorder. The statistical population consisted of all clinical medical students at Golestan University in 2024, from which a sample of 120 students was selected through non-random convenience sampling. The research instruments included the Young Schema Questionnaire – Short Form (1998), the Cognitive Self-Efficacy Scale by Sherer et al. (1982), and the Psychological Vitality Scale developed by Kahn and Crawford (2003). Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). The results indicated that early maladaptive schemas had a significant negative relationship with psychological vitality, and this relationship was mediated by reduced cognitive self-efficacy. In other words, early maladaptive schemas lead to decreased psychological vitality in individuals with generalized anxiety disorder by weakening cognitive self-efficacy. These findings highlight the importance of addressing early maladaptive schemas and enhancing cognitive self-efficacy as therapeutic strategies to improve psychological vitality and overall mental well-being in individuals suffering from anxiety. Accordingly, it is recommended that psychological interventions simultaneously target schema modification and self-efficacy enhancement.
Mohammad Mahdi Zeidabadinejad, Noshin Noori, Leila Fatehi Khoshknabk, Sara Malakmohammadi, Ziba Poursadegا Gavgani,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (Volume 13, Issue 1, Summer 2025 2025)
Abstract
| The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) in reducing cognitive fusion and interpersonal needs among students experiencing suicidal ideation. Employing a quasi-experimental design with pre-test, post-test, and follow-up assessments, participants were selected based on predefined criteria and randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The intervention group received MBCT sessions, and data were analyzed using covariance analysis (ANCOVA). Results demonstrated that MBCT significantly decreased overall cognitive fusion, particularly the fusion component, and significantly reduced total scores of interpersonal needs, including perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness. Additionally, a significant reduction in the severity of suicidal thoughts was observed in the intervention group compared to controls, whereas changes in cognitive defusion were not statistically significant. Follow-up data indicated that the positive effects of the intervention were maintained to a satisfactory degree over time. These findings support the clinical utility of MBCT as an effective intervention to improve maladaptive cognitive and interpersonal processes associated with psychological vulnerability in at-risk students. The study underscores the potential of MBCT in suicide prevention and mental health promotion, and recommends further research with larger samples and integrative interventions to explore underlying mechanisms and long-term efficacy. |
