Comparison of the Effectiveness of Group Schema Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Relationship Beliefs and Resilience in Individuals Seeking Divorce
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Objective: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of group schema therapy and MBSR in improving relationship beliefs and resilience among individuals undergoing divorce proceedings.
Methods and Materials: A quasi-experimental design was employed, consisting of a pre-test, post-test, control group, and a three-month follow-up. Sixty individuals seeking divorce were selected via convenience sampling and randomly assigned to three groups: schema therapy (n=20), MBSR (n=20), and control (n=20). Participants completed the Relationship Beliefs Inventory (Eidelson & Epstein, 1982) and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (2003) at all three time points. The interventions were delivered in eight weekly 90-minute group sessions. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and Scheffé post hoc tests.
Findings: Both schema therapy and MBSR led to significant improvements in relationship beliefs and resilience compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Schema therapy was significantly more effective than MBSR in reducing dysfunctional relationship beliefs (MD = 7.65, p = 0.035), while no significant difference was found between the two interventions in improving resilience (MD = 2.97, p > 0.05).
Conclusion: The findings indicate that group schema therapy and MBSR are effective interventions for individuals navigating divorce. Schema therapy, in particular, appears to be more effective in modifying irrational beliefs about relationships. These results have practical implications for clinicians working with distressed individuals to improve emotional regulation, interpersonal functioning, and adaptive coping during marital transitions.
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