The present study aimed to investigate the effect of cognitive training on reducing depressive symptoms through enhancing cognitive flexibility and inhibitory control among clients undergoing family therapy. Depression is one of the most common psychological disorders, associated with decreased quality of life, impaired personal and family functioning, and increased social burden. In recent years, cognitive training interventions have gained attention as innovative approaches to improving cognitive functions and emotion regulation skills.
This study employed a quasi-experimental design with pretest–posttest, control group, and follow-up phases. The statistical population consisted of all women attending a family therapy clinic in Tehran, from whom 30 participants were selected through purposive sampling. The research instruments included the Beck Depression Inventory, the Cognitive Flexibility Scale, and executive function tasks assessing inhibitory control. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA.
Findings indicated that cognitive training within the framework of family therapy significantly increased cognitive flexibility and improved inhibitory control, leading to a notable reduction in depressive symptoms. The results contribute to the theoretical understanding of cognitive and family psychology and can serve as a foundation for designing effective, culturally adapted clinical interventions aimed at reducing the individual and social burden of depression.
