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The effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on metacognition, depression, and self-concept of children with anxiety disorders
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Mozhgan Mazaheri *1    , Nasrin Saeedi Farid1 , Narges Asgari Toorzani1 , Farzaneh Habashi Varnosfaderani2 , Parisa Rahimi Niyar3 |
1- Faculty of Welfare and Health Social Sciences, Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2- Nowshahr Branch, Payame Noor University, Nowshahr, Iran
3- Ardabil Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ardabil, Iran |
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Abstract: (334 Views) |
Background and Purpose: Anxiety disorders in children are among the most prevalent mental health issues, with widespread negative impacts on their emotional, cognitive, and social development. These disorders can significantly disrupt children's academic performance and interpersonal relationships. The present study was conducted to examine the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) on metacognition, depression, and self-concept in children showing symptoms of anxiety disorders.
Method: This quasi-experimental study employed a pretest-posttest control group design. The statistical population consisted of children with anxiety disorders aged 10 to 15 in District 6 of Tehran Province in 2024. A purposive sampling method was used to select thirty-six children, who were then randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Data collection instruments included the Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale (SCAS; Spence, 1997), the Metacognitions Questionnaire for Children (MQC; Bacow et al, 2009), the Children Depression Inventory (CDI; Kovacs et al, 1997), and the Children’s Self-Concept Scale (CSCS; Piers & Harris, 1969). The experimental group received eight 90-minute sessions of MBCT based on the protocol by Segal et al. (2012). Data was analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance in SPSS 27.
Results: Findings showed that MBCT significantly improved positive beliefs about worry (F=32.41), negative beliefs about worry (F=33.40), cognitive monitoring (F=51.94), and components of suspicion, punishment, and responsibility (F=49.81). It also led to a significant increase in self-concept (F=43.76) and a decrease in depressive symptoms (F=53.27) among children with symptoms of anxiety disorders (p< 0.01).
Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that MBCT, through emphasizing awareness of thoughts and non-judgmental acceptance, led to a reduction in dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs and better emotion regulation. Therefore, this approach is recommended for psychological interventions targeting children with anxiety disorders. |
Article number: 1 |
| Keywords: Anxiety disorders, metacognition, depression, self-concept, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy |
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Full-Text [PDF 1449 kb]
(127 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
General
Received: 2025/05/23 | Accepted: 2025/07/6 | Published: 2025/07/16
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