The Effectiveness of Schema Therapy on Executive Function and Anxiety Sensitivity in Women Victimized by Sexual Assault

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of schema therapy in improving executive function and reducing anxiety sensitivity in women victimized by sexual assault. This research employed a quasi-experimental pretest–posttest design with a two-month follow-up and control group. The statistical population included women who had experienced sexual assault and sought psychological services in Tehran in 2024. Thirty participants were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group received ten 90-minute sessions of schema therapy, while the control group received no intervention. Data were collected using the Anxiety Sensitivity Index, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test for executive function, and Emotional Schema Therapy Questionnaire. Repeated measures ANOVA was conducted using SPSS-26. Results indicated a significant improvement in executive function and a significant reduction in anxiety sensitivity among women in the experimental group compared with the control group (P<0.001). The effect of time and the interaction between time and group were also significant for both variables. Follow-up results confirmed that the therapeutic effects persisted over time. Effect sizes ranged between 0.65 and 0.78, reflecting strong treatment efficacy. Schema therapy effectively enhances cognitive flexibility and executive functioning while reducing anxiety sensitivity in women who have experienced sexual assault. By addressing maladaptive schemas and promoting emotional awareness and cognitive restructuring, this approach empowers women to manage distress and regulate emotions more effectively. Therefore, schema therapy can be recommended as a valuable intervention in clinical and supportive programs for female survivors of sexual trauma.