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A Comparison of the Effectiveness of Schema Therapy and Cognitive Restructuring Therapy on Rumination in Women Victimized by Marital Infidelity
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Vida Farzalizadeh   , Mahnaz Askarian , Mehrnaz Azadyekta |
| Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Ashtian Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ashtian, Iran |
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Abstract: (870 Views) |
Abstract
Background: Rumination, as a transdiagnostic cognitive process, plays a pivotal role in the maintenance of post-traumatic distress, particularly in the context of marital infidelity a profound relational rupture that frequently precipitates enduring emotional and cognitive dysregulation in women. Despite its clinical relevance, comparative evidence on the relative efficacy of cognitive-based interventions in ameliorating post-infidelity rumination remains scarce.
Method: This quasi-experimental study aimed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of Schema Therapy (ST) and Cognitive Restructuring Therapy (CRT) in reducing maladaptive rumination among women exposed to spousal infidelity. Seventy-five participants were randomly assigned to three conditions: ST (n = 25), CRT (n = 25), and a no-treatment control group (n = 25). Rumination was assessed using the Interpersonal Distress Rumination Questionnaire at two time points pre-intervention and following an 8-week treatment period.
Results: Findings revealed that both ST and CRT significantly reduced rumination levels (p < .001). Repeated measures ANOVA demonstrated a statistically significant Time × Group interaction [F(2, 72) = 18.46, p < .001], indicating differential treatment efficacy across groups. Post hoc analyses (Tukey HSD) further confirmed that ST yielded significantly greater reductions in rumination compared to CRT (p = .014) and the control condition (p < .001).
Conclusion: Schema Therapy, with its deep focus on early maladaptive schemas, demonstrates superior clinical efficacy in reducing trauma-induced rumination associated with betrayal-related experiences.
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Article number: 02 |
| Keywords: Schema Therapy, Cognitive Restructuring, Rumination, Marital Infidelity, Relational Trauma. |
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Full-Text [PDF 226 kb]
(391 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/07/21 | Accepted: 2025/08/7 | Published: 2026/05/31
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