Effectiveness of Schema Mode Therapy for Children and Adolescents in the Internalizing Behaviors Problems among Adolescents Referred to Consulting Center in Ahvaz, Iran

Internalizing behaviors problems such as anxiety and depression are two common disorders in adolescents. These problems result in negative outcomes such as dropping out of school, drug abuse, a higher risk of suicide, and other psychological consequences. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of moderated mood-based Schema Therapy for Children and Adolescents (ST-CA) in the internalizing behaviors problems in adolescents referred to consulting center in Ahvaz. The study was quasi-experimental with a pre-test and post-test design and a control group. The statistical population comprised adolescents aged 12-14 years having behavioral, educational, and mood problems who were referred to counseling centers in Ahvaz (Iran). The sample consisted of 30 adolescents (11 boys and 19 girls) selected by convenience sampling and randomly divided into experimental and control groups (n= 15 per group). The experimental group underwent fourteen sessions (120-minutes sessions per week) of moderated mood-based ST-CA. The research instrument included the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Data analysis was done using SPSS version 26. The present study's findings revealed that moderated mood-based ST-CA had a significant effect on the improvement of the internalizing problems (anxiety-depression, withdrawal-depression, and somatic complaints) (P< 0.001). It seems that the moderated mood-based ST-CA well reduces internalizing problems; therefore, the use of this method for adolescents is recommended.