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Volume 25, Issue 163 (9-2026)                   Journal of Psychological Science 2026, 25(163): 1-26 | Back to browse issues page


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Savari Y, Hamid N, Davoudi I. (2026). Comparison of the Effectiveness of Mentalization - based Treatment and Attachment-based Compassion Therapy on Self-Criticism and Emotion Regulation in Individuals with Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder. Journal of Psychological Science. 25(163), : 11 doi:10.66224/jps.25.163.14
URL: http://psychologicalscience.ir/article-1-3136-en.html
Department of Psychology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran. , n.hamid@scu.ac.ir
Abstract:   (16 Views)
Background: Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterized by persistent difficulties in emotion regulation and interpersonal relationships. Although evidence supports the effectiveness of Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT) and Attachment-Based Compassion Therapy (ABCT), a research gap remains regarding direct comparisons of these interventions on self-criticism and emotion regulation, particularly in the Iranian context.
Aims: The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of MBT and ABCT on self-criticism and emotion regulation among individuals with symptoms of BPD.
Methods: A quasi-experimental design with pretest–posttest, control group, and one-month follow-up was employed. The statistical population consisted of all individuals with symptoms of BPD who referred to psychological centers in Ahvaz in 2024. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 45 participants were selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned to two experimental groups and one control group (n = 15 per group). The first and second intervention groups received twelve 90-minute sessions of MBT (Bateman & Fonagy, 2016) and ABCT (García-Campayo et al., 2016), respectively. The control group received no intervention. Measures included the Forms of Self-Criticizing/Attacking and Self-Reassuring Scale (Gilbert et al, 2004) and the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (Gratz & Roemer, 2004). Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA in SPSS-26.
Results:  Both MBT and ABCT significantly reduced self-criticism and improved emotion regulation (P< 0.05), with effects maintained at the one-month follow-up. Moreover, no significant differences were observed between the two interventions in terms of effectiveness.
Conclusion: MBT and ABCT effectively reduce emotional dysregulation and self-critical tendencies in individuals with borderline personality disorder. Implementing these interventions enables clinicians to achieve better treatment outcomes and improve the quality of life for these individuals.
Article number: 11
Full-Text [PDF 2233 kb]   (17 Downloads)    
Type of Study: Research | Subject: Special
Received: 2025/09/29 | Accepted: 2026/08/11 | Published: 2026/09/23

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