The effectiveness of schema therapy on executive functions in people with multiple sclerosis (MS)

Document Type : Scientific-research

Authors

1 Ph.D candidate of department of health psychology, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran.

2 Assistant professor of department of health psychology, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran.

3 Assossiate professor of department of psychology, Garmsar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Garmsar, Iran.

4 Assossiate professor, department of Midwifery, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran

5 Assossiate Professor of Psychology, department of psychology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Aim: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common autoimmune and progressive disorder of the central nervous system that negatively affects patients’ executive functions. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of schema therapy on executive functions in individuals with MS.
 
Methods: This quasi-experimental study employed a pretest–posttest design with a control group and a two-month follow-up. The statistical population included individuals with MS who referred to medical centers in Tehran during the fall of 1400 AH. Thirty participants were selected using convenience sampling and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group received emotional schema therapy over one month in eight 90-minute sessions. Executive functions were assessed in both groups before the intervention, immediately after, and at follow-up using the Vienna Test System (CORSI, INHIB, and WAFV tests).
 
Results: Mixed-design ANOVA revealed that schema therapy significantly increased working memory span (F = 3.90, p < 0.05), reduced inhibitory control errors (F = 6.51, p < 0.005), and improved sustained attention (F = 8.21, p < 0.001).
 
Conclusion: These findings indicate that modifying maladaptive schemas can significantly enhance executive functions in patients with MS.

Keywords

References

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