اثربخشی طرحواره‌درمانی بر شفقت به خود و توانمندی اجتماعی در افراد مبتلا به اضطراب اجتماعی

فرشته رسولی دخت; رضا میرغلامی مشهد; حمید میرغلامی مشهد

Authors

Fereshteh Rasouli Dokht Master of Science in General Psychology, Hatef Non-Profit University, Zahedan, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0009-0005-0622-0287
Reza Mirgholami Mashhad Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran Corresponding author https://orcid.org/0009-0008-7282-4961
Hamid Mirgholami Mashhad Department of Counseling, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran Corresponding author https://orcid.org/0009-0004-7434-4735

Keywords:

Schema therapy, self-compassion, social competence, social anxiety, early maladaptive schemas

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of schema therapy in improving self-compassion and social competence among individuals with social anxiety disorder. This applied study employed a quasi-experimental pretest–posttest design with a control group. The study population consisted of individuals with social anxiety disorder who attended counseling and psychological service centers in Tehran in 2026. Thirty eligible participants were selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned to an experimental group and a control group, with 15 participants in each group. The experimental group received eight sessions of group-based schema therapy, whereas the control group received no psychological intervention during the study period. Data were collected using the Self-Compassion Scale–Short Form developed by Raes et al. and the Social Competence Questionnaire developed by Felner, Lease, and Phillips. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, analysis of covariance, and Bonferroni-adjusted pairwise comparisons. After controlling for pretest scores, the effect of group membership on self-compassion was statistically significant (F=43.45, P<0.001, η²=0.616). A significant group effect was also observed for social competence (F=35.58, P<0.001, η²=0.568). Bonferroni-adjusted comparisons showed that the adjusted mean of self-compassion was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group (78.31 vs. 61.23; mean difference=17.08, P<0.001). Similarly, the adjusted mean of social competence was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group (118.94 vs. 99.79; mean difference=19.15, P<0.001). Schema therapy significantly improved self-compassion and social competence in individuals with social anxiety disorder, likely through modifying early maladaptive schemas, reducing self-criticism and negative self-beliefs, and facilitating more adaptive cognitive, emotional, and interpersonal patterns. Accordingly, schema therapy may be considered an effective psychological intervention for improving positive intrapersonal and social functioning in individuals with social anxiety disorder.

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