The Effectiveness of Schema Therapy Mode Model on Tension, Distress Tolerance and Executive Functions in patients with Psychosomatic Symptoms in Rasht city

Determining the Effectiveness of Schema Therapy Mode Model on Tension, Distress Tolerance and Executive Functions in patients with Psychosomatic Symptoms in Rasht.

Randomized clinical trial with two experimental and control groups with single-sided blinding on 15 people (for each group)

Schema Therapy Mode Model intervention is implemented in a group setting at the Rasta Clinic in Rasht on 15 subjects in the experimental group.

The statistical population comprised psychosomatic patients (DSM-5 diagnosed) referred to Rasht medical centers in 2024, presenting physical complaints without identifiable medical etiology. Inclusion criteria were: moderate-to-high stress scores, absence of comorbid medical/psychiatric conditions, no psychotropic medication use, and no concurrent psychotherapy. Exclusion criteria included withdrawal from participation, onset of psychotic symptoms, >2 session absences, initiation of medication during the study, or incomplete questionnaire responses (>10% missing data).

The experimental group in this study will undergo a Schema Therapy Mode Model intervention, which is implemented by an experienced therapist and under the direct supervision of an expert supervisor. The intervention protocol consists of 8 120-minute sessions, the content of which is adapted from Rosie Reubsaet's book entitled "Schema Therapy – A Phase-Oriented Approach: Targeting Tasks and Techniques in Individual and Group Schema Therapy."

Tension, Distress Tolerance, Executive Functions, Psychosomatic Symptoms

After collecting information from the target population, from the list of patients through systematic sampling, necessary contacts and coordination were made to attend the study and treatment sessions, and after that, the eligible samples, after being selected, will be allocated to two control and intervention groups through a simple random method. For concealment, we use Allocation Concealment, which refers to the method used to perform a random sequence on study participants in a way that the assigned group is not known before the individual is allocated. Using opaque sealed envelopes with a random sequence, in this method (Sealed, Sequentially, Envelopes, Numbered), each of the random sequences created is recorded on a card and the cards are placed inside the envelopes in order. In order to maintain the random sequence, numbering is also done on the outer surface of the envelopes in the same order. Finally, the lids of the envelopes are glued and placed in a box in order. At the start of participant registration, based on the order in which eligible participants enter the study, one of the envelopes is opened in order and the assigned group of that participant is revealed.

In the present study, the experimental group was administered a Schema Therapy Mode Model protocol for 8 2-hour sessions, but the control group did not receive any intervention (in order to comply with research ethics, the control group will receive the intervention after the study is completed). Valid questionnaires (valid and reliable) were used at all stages to measure Tension, distress tolerance, and executive functions of the subjects. In this study, one-way blinding was used, such that the participants were not aware of their allocation to the experimental or control groups. This was done by not disclosing the type of intervention to the participants and also by using the same instructions for completing the questionnaires. The researchers and therapists were aware of the grouping of the subjects, but the participants remained unaware of this until the end of the research process to prevent their expectations from affecting the results.

Due to the sensitive and confidential nature

Only codes processed in statistical analysis can be published

There are no plans to publish research data and the data will remain confidential.

Only research researchers have access to the data.

For the purpose of statistical analysis and reality testing of research results

Research data is only available to the researchers of the present study and can be processed through them.

By sending a request and communicating with the researchers of this study