Effectiveness of Schema Therapy on Psychological Distress and Self-defeating Behaviors in Women with Dependent Personality Traits: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

Background: Schema therapy has been proposed as an integrative intervention that targets both emotional symptoms and maladaptive behavioral patterns; however, empirical evidence of its effectiveness for these outcomes remains limited. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a schema therapy-based intervention in reducing psychological distress and self-defeating behaviors among women with dependent personality traits. Methods: This quasi-experimental study used a pretest–posttest design with a control group. The study population comprised women with dependent personality traits who were referred to psychological counseling centers in Rasht, Iran. A total of 34 participants were recruited through convenience sampling and assigned to an intervention group (n = 17) or a control group (n = 17). The intervention group received 8 sessions of group-based schema therapy based on the mode model, whereas the control group received no intervention. Psychological distress was assessed using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), and self-defeating behaviors were measured using a self-report questionnaire. Data were analyzed using independent-samples t tests and effect sizes (Cohen d) in SPSS version 26. Results: The results showed significant reductions in psychological distress and self-defeating behaviors in the intervention group compared with the control group at posttest (P < 0.05). Large effect sizes were observed for both psychological distress and the total self-defeating behavior score, indicating clinically meaningful improvement. Conclusions: Schema therapy appears to be an effective intervention for reducing psychological distress and self-defeating behaviors among women with dependent personality traits. These findings support the use of schema-based interventions in mental health settings.