Investigating the effectiveness of schema-focused cognitive therapy on psychological capital and social capital of people with work addiction

Work addiction, characterized by obsessive and excessive engagement in work, can significantly impact mental health, social relationships, and overall quality of life. Schema-focused cognitive therapy is a therapeutic approach aimed at identifying and modifying maladaptive cognitive schemas. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of schema-focused cognitive therapy on psychological capital and social capital among individuals with work addiction. The study employed a quasi-experimental design with a control group. The sample comprised 50 individuals from the workforce in Chahrmeh, who volunteered and completed the Work Addiction Risk Test (WART). Out of these, 30 individuals diagnosed with work addiction were randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group, each consisting of 15 participants. The experimental group received 12 sessions of schema-focused cognitive therapy, while the control group received no intervention. Standardized questionnaires were used to assess psychological capital and social capital at both pre-test and post-test stages. Results indicated that schema-focused cognitive therapy significantly improved psychological capital (including self-esteem, self-efficacy, optimism, resilience) and social capital (including commitment, reciprocal norms, social trust, and social participation) in the treatment group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that schema-focused cognitive therapy can mitigate the negative effects of work addiction and enhance overall psychological and social well-being.