Effectiveness and Comparison of Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) on Intolerance of Uncertainty in Female Heads of Household

Abstract

The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Compassion-Focused Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in reducing intolerance of uncertainty among female heads of household in Tehran. This applied quasi-experimental study employed a pretest–posttest design with a three-month follow-up and a control group. The statistical population included female heads of household attending Tasnim Community Centers in District 14 of Tehran during 2025–2026. A total of 45 participants were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned into three equal groups: Compassion-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, and control. The intervention groups participated in eight weekly 90-minute sessions, while the control group remained on a waiting list. Data were collected using the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale developed by Freeston et al. Statistical analyses were conducted using repeated-measures ANOVA in SPSS version 27. The results of repeated-measures ANOVA demonstrated a significant main effect of time on intolerance of uncertainty (P<0.001, F=282.2), as well as a significant interaction effect between time and group (P<0.001, F=65.79). In the Compassion-Focused Therapy group, the mean score of intolerance of uncertainty decreased from 86.4 at pretest to 69.07 at posttest and remained stable during follow-up. Similarly, in the Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy group, the mean score decreased from 86.53 at pretest to 68.8 at posttest. Bonferroni post-hoc comparisons indicated significant differences between pretest and both posttest and follow-up stages (P<0.001), whereas no significant difference was observed between the two treatment approaches (P>0.05). Overall, both interventions showed stable and significant effectiveness in reducing intolerance of uncertainty among female heads of household. The findings indicated that both Compassion-Focused Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy effectively reduced intolerance of uncertainty in female heads of household. Despite differences in theoretical foundations and therapeutic techniques, both interventions improved emotional regulation, reduced anxiety, and enhanced acceptance of uncertain situations. These approaches may therefore serve as effective psychological interventions for improving the mental health and resilience of vulnerable women in community counseling and support programs.