Effectiveness of Internal Family Systems-Based Group Therapy on Self-Compassion and Self-Esteem in Female High School Students in Tonekabon
Keywords:
Internal Family Systems-based group therapy, self-compassion, self-esteemAbstract
Objective: The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of Internal Family Systems (IFS)-based group therapy on self-compassion and self-esteem in female high school students in the city of Tonekabon.
Methods and Materials: The research method was quasi-experimental and applied in nature, employing a pretest-posttest design with a control group. The statistical population included all female students in the second level of high school in Tonekabon during the 2024–2025 academic year. The study sample consisted of 30 students selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned to the experimental group (n = 15) and the control group (n = 15). Research instruments included the Self-Compassion Scale—Short Form by Raes et al. (2011) and the Eysenck Self-Esteem Questionnaire (1976).
Findings: For data analysis and hypothesis testing, multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) and univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were used. The results indicated a statistically significant difference between the intervention and control groups in terms of mean scores of self-compassion and self-esteem (P < .001).
Conclusion: The outcomes favored the experimental group. Overall, the findings demonstrated that Internal Family Systems-based group therapy led to an increase in self-compassion and self-esteem among the participating students.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Sara Rezaei (Author); Elaheh Sadeghi (Corresponding Author)

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