Investigating the Effectiveness of Solution-Focused Metacognitive Therapy Protocol on Worry and Dysfunctional Attitudes in a Group of Anxiety Patients

Introduction: Anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent psychological conditions and are often accompanied by excessive worry and dysfunctional attitudes, which significantly impair daily functioning and interpersonal relationships. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of Solution‑Focused Metacognitive Therapy (SF‑MCT) in reducing worry and dysfunctional attitudes in individuals diagnosed with anxiety disorders. Method: This applied, quasi‑experimental study employed a pre‑test, post‑test, and three‑month follow‑up design with experimental and control groups. The statistical population consisted of individuals with anxiety disorders who referred to psychology clinics in Tehran in ۲۰۲۳. A total of ۳۰ participants were selected using purposive sampling and randomly assigned to the experimental or control group. The intervention included six ۶۰‑minute sessions, conducted twice weekly, based on the solution‑focused metacognitive therapy protocol. Data were collected using the Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ‑A) and the Dysfunctional Attitude Scale (DAS‑۲۶). Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) were calculated, and inferential analyses were conducted using Mann–Whitney U test and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) at a significance level of p < ۰.۰۵ with SPSS version ۲۷. Results: The findings indicated a significant between‑groups effect for worry, with lower scores observed in the experimental group compared to the control group (p < ۰.۰۰۱). Additionally, a significant time × group interaction effect was found for worry (p = ۰.۰۲۴). The between‑groups effect for dysfunctional attitudes was also statistically significant (p < ۰.۰۰۱). Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that solution‑focused metacognitive therapy is effective in reducing worry and dysfunctional attitudes among individuals with anxiety disorders and may contribute to alleviating anxiety symptoms.

کلیدواژه ها:

Solution-Focused Metacognitive Therapy ، worry ، dysfunctional attitudes ، Anxiety Patients