The Effectiveness of Unified Transdiagnostic Treatment on the Internalized Problems of Children with Emotional Divorced Parents

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of transdiagnostic treatment for emotional disorders in reducing internalizing behavioral problems in children aged 8 to 12 with parents experiencing emotional divorce. The statistical population encompassed all minors within this age bracket who visited health centers in Shahreza County in 2021. A total of 30 children (18 girls and 12 boys) were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups after completing pre-test questionnaires. The mothers of these children scored above the threshold point on the emotional divorce questionnaire. For fifteen sessions, the experimental group received transdiagnostic integrated treatment for emotional disorders. Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) was implemented to analyze the research data. The results indicated that the treatment group's score of internalizing problems was considerably lower than that of the control group in both the post-test and follow-up stages (p < 0.05). Additionally, these effects remained consistent throughout the follow-up phase. According to the results of this study, transdiagnostic treatment for emotional disorders not only mitigates internalizing behavioral issues in children but also sustains these effects over time. These results underscore the significance of addressing the psychological requirements of these children and indicate that similar psychological interventions may be effective in enhancing their emotional and psychological well-being. Additionally, it is advised that such treatment programs be implemented in health and educational facilities to improve the psychological well-being of children in comparable circumstances.

Keywords

• emotional divorce
• internalized behavioral problems
• meta-diagnostic treatment