Applied Psychology

Applied Psychology

Comparing Effectiveness of Mentalization-Based Therapy and Dialectical Therapy on Distress Tolerance in Nurses with Mental Fatigue Problems

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Safieh Hadian 1
Akram Dehghani 2
Razieh Izadi 3
Sheida Jabalameli 4
Mousa Alavi 5
1 PhD Student, Department of Psychology, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran.
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Na.c , Islamic Azad University ،Najafabad , Iran.
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology، Safahan Non-Profit Higher Education Institute, Isfahan, Iran
4 . Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, , Najafabad Branch، Islamic Azad University ،Najafabad, , Iran.
5 Professor, Department of Psychiatric Nursing, University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
10.48308/apsy.2026.240712.1865
Abstract
Aim: This study compared the effectiveness of Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) on distress tolerance among nurses experiencing mental fatigue.
 
Method: This quasi-experimental study used a pretest–posttest design with a control group. Forty-four nurses working at Imam Khomeini Hospital in Falavarjan were selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned to two experimental groups and one control group. Distress tolerance was measured using the Distress Tolerance Scale. The MBT and DBT groups each received eight treatment sessions, while the control group received no intervention. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA.
 
Results: Significant differences were observed between the experimental groups and the control group at posttest and follow-up (p < 0.05), indicating improvements in distress tolerance following both interventions. However, no significant differences were found between the MBT and DBT groups (p > 0.05), suggesting comparable effectiveness.
 
Conclusion: Both Mentalization-Based Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy effectively increased distress tolerance in nurses with mental fatigue. These interventions may help improve psychological resilience and coping abilities among healthcare professionals exposed to occupational stress.
Keywords
Nurses
Distress Tolerance
Mental Fatigue
Dialectical Therapy
Mentalization-Based Therapy
Subjects
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