Maher Institute Inc Iranian Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders 3115-848X 5 2026 04 01 The Effectiveness of Attachment-Based Cognitive Integrative Therapy on Early Maladaptive Schemas, Dysfunctional Beliefs, and Depression The Effectiveness of Attachment-Based Cognitive Integrative Therapy on Early Maladaptive Schemas, Dysfunctional Beliefs, and Depression 1 10 EN Somayeh Motejadded MSc, Department of Clinical Psychology, Ferdowsi University, Mashhad, Iran Journal Article 2026 11 02 <p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of attachment-based cognitive integrative therapy on early maladaptive schemas, dysfunctional beliefs, and depressive symptoms in individuals with depression.</p> <p><strong>Methods and Materials: </strong>This study employed a quasi-experimental design with pre-test, post-test, and two-month follow-up, including an experimental group and a control group. The statistical population consisted of individuals with depressive symptoms who referred to psychological counseling centers in Tehran. A total of 40 participants were selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned into two groups of 20 (experimental and control). The experimental group received 12 sessions of attachment-based cognitive integrative therapy, while the control group remained on a waiting list. Data were collected using the Young Schema Questionnaire–Short Form (YSQ-SF), Dysfunctional Attitude Scale (DAS), and Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). Data analysis was conducted using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni post-hoc tests in SPSS-27.</p> <p><strong>Findings: </strong>The results of repeated measures ANOVA indicated significant effects of time, group, and the interaction between time and group on early maladaptive schemas, dysfunctional beliefs, and depression (p &lt; 0.001). The experimental group showed significant reductions in all three variables compared to the control group, with large effect sizes observed across outcomes. Bonferroni post-hoc tests revealed that the differences between pre-test and post-test, as well as pre-test and follow-up, were statistically significant (p &lt; 0.001), while no significant differences were found between post-test and follow-up, indicating the stability of treatment effects over time.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Attachment-based cognitive integrative therapy is an effective intervention for reducing early maladaptive schemas, dysfunctional beliefs, and depressive symptoms, with sustained effects over time, suggesting its potential as a comprehensive therapeutic approach targeting both cognitive and relational dimensions of depression.</p> https://www.maherpub.com/index.php/jndd/article/download/779/627