Comparing the Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Exposure Therapy and Reality Therapy on Generalized Anxiety, Metacognitive Beliefs, Emotional Self-Regulation, and Cognitive Distortions in Men with Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder
Keywords:
Mindfulness, based therapy, reality therapy, generalized anxiety disorder, metacognitive beliefs, emotional self, regulation, cognitive distortions, obsessive, compulsive disorderAbstract
Introduction and Aim: Obsessive–compulsive disorder is frequently accompanied by generalized anxiety, dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs, impaired emotional self-regulation, and cognitive distortions, which may intensify and perpetuate its symptoms. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of mindfulness-based exposure therapy and reality therapy in improving these variables among men with obsessive–compulsive disorder.
Methodology: This quasi-experimental study employed a pretest–posttest design with a control group. The statistical population consisted of men with obsessive–compulsive disorder referred to Quds Treatment Center in Sanandaj, Iran. Sixty eligible participants were selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned to mindfulness-based exposure therapy, reality therapy, and control groups, with 20 participants in each group. The experimental groups received nine weekly 90-minute intervention sessions, whereas the control group received no intervention. Data were collected using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire, Metacognitions Questionnaire, Emotional Self-Regulation Questionnaire, and Cognitive Distortions Questionnaire. Multivariate analysis of covariance and Bonferroni-adjusted pairwise comparisons were conducted using SPSS version 23.
Findings: Wilks’ lambda indicated a significant overall difference among the groups after controlling for pretest scores (F=29.563, p<0.001, η²=0.703). Significant group effects were observed for generalized anxiety (F=43.847, η²=0.623), metacognitive beliefs (F=19.915, η²=0.429), emotional self-regulation (F=51.877, η²=0.662), and cognitive distortions (F=22.042, η²=0.454; all p<0.001). Both interventions significantly improved all outcomes compared with the control condition. Mindfulness-based exposure therapy was more effective than reality therapy in reducing generalized anxiety and dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs, whereas reality therapy produced greater improvement in emotional self-regulation. No statistically significant difference was found between the two interventions in reducing cognitive distortions (p=0.142).
Conclusion: Mindfulness-based exposure therapy and reality therapy are both effective interventions for improving cognitive and emotional difficulties associated with obsessive–compulsive disorder. Treatment selection should be based on patients’ predominant symptoms and individual therapeutic needs.
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