The Effectiveness of Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Zest for Life and Psychological Distress in Adolescents from Divorced Families

Abstract

The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of group cognitive behavioral therapy on zest for life and psychological distress in adolescents from divorced families. This study employed a quasi-experimental design with pretest-posttest and a control group. The statistical population included adolescents from divorced families who referred to counseling centers in Tehran in 2024. A total of 30 participants were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned into experimental and control groups (15 participants in each group). Data collection instruments included the Hassanzadeh Zest for Life Questionnaire and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K-10). The experimental group received eight 90-minute sessions of group cognitive behavioral therapy, while the control group received no intervention. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance. The results indicated that after controlling for pretest scores, there was a significant difference between the experimental and control groups in zest for life (P=0.001, F=108.41, η²=0.58). In addition, group cognitive behavioral therapy significantly reduced psychological distress among adolescents (P=0.001, F=132.68, η²=0.56). The mean scores of zest for life significantly increased in the experimental group from pretest to posttest, whereas psychological distress scores significantly decreased. The findings demonstrated the substantial effectiveness of group cognitive behavioral therapy in improving psychological indicators among adolescents from divorced families. The findings suggest that group cognitive behavioral therapy, through modifying dysfunctional thoughts, enhancing coping skills, and strengthening positive attitudes, can increase zest for life and reduce psychological distress in adolescents from divorced families. Therefore, the application of this therapeutic approach is recommended in counseling and psychological service centers for supporting adolescents experiencing parental divorce.