Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy (C.B.G.T) in Increasing the Self Esteem & Decreasing the Hopelessness of β-Thalassemic Adolescents

Abstract

Background: Thalassemic patients are prone to impair self-esteem duo to life-long side effects. Abnormal appearance at young age and higher risk of blood infections such as AIDS and hepatitis, affect their marriage opportunities. These side effects lead to hopelessness and isolation.. This experimental study was carried out to determine the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral group therapy (C.B.G.T) on stimulation of self-esteem in β-Thalasemic adolescents. Methods: A total of 59 Thalassemic patients were recruited and randomly assigned into experimental or control group. The experimental group participated in eight C.B.G.T sessions of 90 minutes each, following a manualized treatment protocol. The findings were assessed by using independent group t-test, two way ANOVA and regression analysis to examine the effect of the intervention on dependent variables (self-esteem and hopelessness). Results: The score of hopelessness was decreased significantly (p<.001) and self-esteem was increased significantly (p<.001). There was positive direct correlation on self-esteem and hopelessness (P0.05). Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, cognitive behavioral group therapy leads to decrease in hopelessness and increase in self-esteem in general, familial, and educational level but it doesn’t lead to increasing social self esteem. It is necessary to increase social supports for these patients.

Keywords

• cognitive behavioral group therapy (C.B.G.T)
• self-esteem
• hopelessness
• β-Thalassemia