Alleviating the burden of depression: Exploring the efficacy of schema therapy for peer victimization, distress tolerance, and guilt in adolescence
Researcher Bulletin of Medical Sciences,
Vol. 30 No. 1 (2025),
20 Khordad 2026
,
Page e8
Abstract
Background and Objective: Depression during adolescence is a significant mental health concern, often associated with a range of negative outcomes, including peer victimization, difficulties with emotional regulation, and heightened feelings of guilt. This study investigated the effectiveness of schema therapy on peer victimization, distress tolerance, and guilt feelings in adolescents experiencing depressive symptoms.
Materials and Methods: Method: This study employed a quasi-experimental pre-test post-test control group design. The study population comprised adolescent boys residing in Ahvaz who presented with depressive symptoms during the year 2023. A convenience sample of 30 adolescents was recruited, and participants were then randomly assigned to either the experimental (n=15) or control (n=15) group. The experimental group received eight 90-minute sessions of schema therapy, administered weekly. The control group did not receive the schema therapy intervention. Data collection instruments included the Illinois Bully Scale (IBS), Distress Tolerance Scale (DTS), and Guilt Questionnaire. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was conducted using SPSS version 27 to analyze the collected data.
Results: The results showed that schema therapy was effective in reducing peer victimization and feelings of guilt and increasing distress tolerance in adolescent boys with depressive symptoms (P<0.001).
Conclusion: This study concludes that schema therapy effectively reduces peer victimization and guilt while increasing distress tolerance in adolescent boys with depressive symptoms. These findings suggest schema therapy's potential as a valuable intervention for improving the social experiences, emotional regulation, and self-perception of depressed adolescents by targeting maladaptive schemas and fostering healthier coping mechanisms.
.
- Depression; Schema therapy; Guilt; Victimization; Adolescent
How to Cite
References
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