The effectiveness of Michael Frey’s cognitive group therapy in reducing anxiety and increasing mental health in divorced women in Urmia city

Aim and background: this study was aimed at examining the effectiveness of Michael Frey’s cognitive group therapy in reducing anxiety and increasing mental health in divorced women in Urmia city. Tools and materials: the research method was semi-experimental with pre- and posttest including experimental and control group. The population was all the divorced women referring to counselling centres of Urmia city until the end of autumn 2013. The sampling method was accessible sampling method and sample was divided into two 10 members’ experiment and control groups. Beck’s 21 item anxiety questionnaire was used for measuring anxiety properties and Goldberg’s mental health questionnaire (28 items revised form). Experimental group received 12 sessions of 90 minutes training and control group received no intervention. Results: the results showed that cognitive group therapy was effective in reducing anxiety [F (1.17) = 16.479, P < 0.001] and increasing health [F (1.21) = 10.160] in divorced women. Conclusion: It can be concluded that using group treatment methods for divorced women and involving them in such groups can increase their mental health.

cognitive therapy, anxiety, Michael Frey, divorced women.