The Effectiveness of Mentalization-Based Training on Emotion Regulation and Psychological Flexibility in Adolescents with Insecure Attachment

Abstract

Introduction: Adolescence is one of the most challenging and most important cognitive stages, in which emotional regulation and psychological flexibility are of utmost importance. This study was conducted with the aim of the effectiveness of mentalization-based training on emotion regulation and psychological flexibility in adolescents with insecure attachment. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study with a pretest–posttest and controlled design, 30 adolescent girls with attachment issues aged 14-17 years in Isfahan were selected and randomly assigned to two groups: experimental and control. The educational protocol was implemented over 12 sessions, each lasting 90 minutes. Emotion regulation and psychological flexibility were assessed at both pre-test and post-test stages. The assessment tools included the Adolescent Version of the Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised (ECR-R) (2000), the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) (2004), and the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II). Data analysis was performed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) with SPSS 26 at a significance level of 0/05. Results: The findings indicated that mentalization-based training significantly improved emotion regulation (F=818.05) and its dimensions among adolescents with insecure attachment, including non-acceptance of emotional responses (F=242/14), difficulties in engaging in goal-directed behavior (F=419/37), impulse control difficulties (F=398/15), lack of emotional awareness (F=13/24), limited access to emotion regulation strategies (F=458/31), and lack of emotional clarity (F=207/78) (p<0/05). Furthermore, a significant improvement in psychological flexibility (F=441/05) was observed following the intervention (p<0/05). Conclusion: Given the significant effectiveness of mentalization training in improving emotion regulation and psychological flexibility among adolescents with insecure attachment, it is recommended that this intervention be implemented as a preventive, therapeutic, and feasible approach within educational and healthcare systems.