The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy on Social Anxiety and Emotional Regulation in Adolescents of Divorced Families

Mobina Arab; Leila   Abolfathi Doyran; Masoumeh  Oboori; Maedeh Rajabi; Azita Khaefi

Authors

Mobina Arab Master of Clinical Psychology, BG.C., Islamic Azad University, Bandar Gaz, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0009-0001-1128-3988
Leila Abolfathi Doyran Master of Clinical Psychology, Ka.C., Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0009-0004-0888-2471
Masoumeh Oboori Department of Psychology, Sar.C., Islamic Azad University, Sari, Iran Corresponding author https://orcid.org/0009-0000-7546-1889
Maedeh Rajabi Master of Clinical Psychology, To.C., Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9161-593X
Azita Khaefi Master of General Psychology, Sar.C., Islamic Azad University, Sari, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0009-0000-0293-506X

Keywords:

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Social Anxiety, Emotional Regulation, Adolescents of Divorced Families

Abstract

Purpose: The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on social anxiety and emotional regulation among adolescents from divorced families.

Methods and Materials: The present research employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest format and a control group. The statistical population consisted of adolescents from divorced families who referred to psychological counseling centers in Tehran in 2026. Using convenience sampling, 30 participants were selected and randomly assigned into an experimental group (n = 15) and a control group (n = 15). Data collection instruments included the Social Anxiety Scale for Adolescents and the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire. The experimental group received eight 2-hour sessions of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, whereas the control group did not receive any intervention. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) through SPSS software.

Findings: The findings revealed that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy had a significant effect on reducing social anxiety among adolescents from divorced families (F = 46.68, p < 0.001, η² = 0.61). In addition, the intervention significantly improved emotional regulation in the experimental group compared with the control group (F = 28.32, p < 0.001, η² = 0.67). The results indicated that after controlling for pretest scores, the differences between the experimental and control groups in posttest scores were statistically significant, demonstrating the effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on both dependent variables.

Conclusion: The findings of the present study suggest that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy is an effective psychological intervention for reducing social anxiety and improving emotional regulation among adolescents from divorced families. By enhancing self-awareness, emotional acceptance, and adaptive coping strategies, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy may contribute to better psychological adjustment and emotional functioning in vulnerable adolescents.

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