The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy on Family Functioning and Psychological Symptoms among Individuals Referred to Counseling Centers

Abstract

The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on family functioning and psychological symptoms among individuals referred to counseling centers in Tehran. This study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest control group. The statistical population included individuals referred to counseling centers in Tehran in 2026. A total of 32 participants were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned into experimental and control groups (16 participants in each group). Data collection instruments included the Family Functioning Questionnaire and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). The experimental group received eight 2-hour sessions of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, while the control group received no intervention. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The results of ANCOVA demonstrated that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy had a significant effect on both family functioning and psychological symptoms among participants. The mean scores of family functioning significantly increased in the experimental group at posttest compared with pretest, whereas psychological symptoms significantly decreased. Furthermore, after controlling for pretest scores, significant differences were observed between the experimental and control groups, indicating the effectiveness of the intervention in improving family functioning and reducing anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms. The findings suggest that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, through enhancing awareness of thoughts and emotions, reducing rumination, and improving emotional regulation, can effectively improve family functioning and decrease psychological symptoms among individuals referred to counseling centers. Therefore, this therapeutic approach may be considered an effective intervention for promoting mental health and strengthening family relationships in counseling settings.