Comparison of the Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy on Depression in Clients Referring to Rahnamoode Novin and Ava Counseling Centers in Sari
Keywords:
Depression, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Brief Solution-Focused TherapyAbstract
Objective: The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) on depression in individuals seeking help at Rahnamoode Novin and Ava counseling centers in Sari.
Methods and Materials: This research employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest format, involving two experimental groups and one control group. The statistical population consisted of all individuals who had active files at the aforementioned counseling centers and met the inclusion criteria while also providing full consent to participate. A total of 45 individuals were selected using a non-random convenience sampling method and were randomly assigned into three groups of 15 participants each. MBCT and SFBT interventions were applied to the two experimental groups, while the control group received no intervention. A follow-up assessment was conducted three months after the posttest. The control group functioned as a waitlist group. Data were collected using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (1996). The MBCT group intervention followed the therapeutic protocol developed by Kabat-Zinn et al. (2007) and was administered in eight 60-minute weekly group sessions. The SFBT group intervention was based on the therapeutic protocol developed by Steve de Shazer and his wife, Insoo Kim Berg (1970), also delivered in eight 60-minute weekly group sessions. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used for data analysis.
Findings: The results indicated that both MBCT and SFBT had a significant effect on reducing depression in clients attending counseling centers (p = .001). However, no significant difference was found between the two experimental groups in terms of changes in depression and anxiety (p > .05).
Conclusion: Given the effectiveness of both intervention methods, professionals and therapists in the field are encouraged to utilize these approaches to improve psychological functioning in clients referred to counseling centers.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Fatemeh Sadat Hosseini (Author); Masomeh Damghani Mirmahaleh; Kazem Shariatnia (Author)
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