Comparing the Effectiveness of Metacognitive Therapy and Compassion-Based Therapy on Emotional Suppression and Self-Disclosure in Adolescents with Depression

Depression in teenagers can severely disrupt personal and professional growth. The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of metacognitive therapy and compassion-based therapy on emotional repression and self-disclosure in adolescents with depression.

It was a semi-experimental research based on a pre-test and post-test design with a control group. The statistical population of the research included teenagers suffering from depression who referred to the Education Counseling Center of District 5 of Tehran in 2022, and 45 people were selected by available sampling method. Randomly, they were placed in three groups: metacognitive therapy, compassion-based therapy, and control group. Experimental group 1 underwent metacognitive therapy sessions and experimental group 2 underwent compassion therapy sessions. The research tools included Beck's (1996) depression questionnaire, Larson and Justin's (1990) emotional suppression questionnaire, and Weinberger's (1971) adjustment questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS-24 software and multivariate covariance test.

The results showed that there is a significant difference between the two experimental groups and the control group (P<0.05). Also, metacognitive therapy was more effective than compassion therapy in reducing emotional suppression and self-disclosure in adolescents (P<0.05).

Based on the findings of the research, metacognitive therapy with emotional reorganization, cognitive control and tolerance led to the reduction of emotional repression and self-disclosure in adolescents with depression; Therefore, it is suggested to use these methods along with other treatment methods to improve the quality of life of teenagers suffering from depression.