Comparing the Effectiveness of Emotion Regulation Training and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy on Self-Compassion, Positive and Negative Affect, and Psychological Well-Being in Single-Parent Adolescents

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 . Master's student, Department of General Psychology, Hamedan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Hamedan, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Hamedan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Hamedan, Iran

Abstract

Objective: The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of emotion regulation training and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) on self-compassion, positive and negative affect, and psychological well-being among single-parent adolescents.
Methods: The research employed a quasi-experimental design with a nonequivalent control group and follow-up phase. The statistical population included all single-parent adolescents enrolled in junior and senior high schools in Hamadan during the second semester of the 2023–2024 academic year, from which a convenience sample of 45 participants was selected. Data were collected using the Self-Compassion Scale (Neff, 2003), the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (Watson et al., 1988), and the Psychological Well-Being Scale (Ryff, 2002). The interventions were conducted based on Gross’s (2002) Emotion Regulation Training protocol and Bowen et al.’s (2011) MBCT protocol.
Results: Data were analyzed using mixed ANOVA. The results indicated that both interventions significantly improved self-compassion, positive affect, and psychological well-being and reduced negative affect (p<0.05). However, no significant difference was found between the effectiveness of the two interventions (p>0.05). Moreover, the follow-up results confirmed the stability of these effects, particularly on self-compassion and affect variables.
Conclusions: Overall, both approaches can be considered effective interventions for enhancing the emotional and psychological well-being of single-parent adolescents. It is recommended that mental health professionals incorporate these methods into psychological and educational support programs designed for this group of adolescents.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Cognitive Strategies in Learning
Volume 13, Issue 25 - Serial Number 25
Autumn & Winter 2025-2026
January 2026
Pages 145-165

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