Fundamentals of Mental Health

Fundamentals of Mental Health

The effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on depression, dysfunctional beliefs, and self-esteem in mothers of children with intellectual disabilities

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Mahdi Amiri 1
Elham Taheri 1
Morteza Ataee Karizmeh 2
Hanieh Taheri 3
1 Assistant professor of clinical psychology, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
2 MSc. student in clinical psychology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
3 Ph.D. student in health psychology, Torbat-e Jam University, Torbat-e-Jam, Iran.
10.22038/JFMH.2025.89444.3261
Abstract
Introduction: This study examined the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) on depression, dysfunctional beliefs, and self-esteem among mothers raising children with intellectual disabilities.
 
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 24 mothers recruited through convenience sampling were randomly assigned into experimental and control groups. The experimental group received nine 2-hour sessions of MBCT. We assessed the participants using the Beck Depression Inventory-II, the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory, and the Dysfunctional Attitudes Scale.
 
Results: The data showed that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy significantly reduced depression (P= 0.001), dysfunctional beliefs (P= 0.000), and increased self-esteem (P= 0.000) in the experimental group. The effect size for the mentioned variables was 0.429, 0.497, and 0.568, respectively. The greatest effect of the intervention was observed on improving family self-esteem (P= 0.000) and reducing perfectionistic beliefs (P= 0.002).
 
Conclusion: Overall the findings of the study showed that MBCT can reduce depression and increase self-esteem by enhancing acceptance, reducing rumination, and improving emotional regulation. It is suggested that this method be included in support programs for mothers of children with intellectual disabilities.
Keywords
Depression
Dysfunctional beliefs
Intellectual disabilities
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy
Self-esteem
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Fundamentals of Mental Health
Volume 27, Issue 6
November and December 2025
Pages 389-396