Effectiveness of Choice Theory–Based Group Therapy on Somatoform Problems Among Nurses

Mahsa Iraji; Parviz Karimisani

Authors

Mahsa Iraji M.Sc. in Family Counseling, Department of Psychology and Counseling, Shab.C., Islamic Azad University, Shabestar, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0009-0004-3909-9105
Parviz Karimisani Department of Psychology and Counseling, Shab.C., Islamic Azad University, Shabestar, Iran Corresponding Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1972-2199

Keywords:

group therapy, choice theory, somatoform problems, nurses

Abstract

The highly stressful nature of the nursing profession and continuous exposure to psychological stressors can contribute to the development of somatization disorders or somatoform problems among nurses, adversely affecting their professional functioning and quality of life. The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of choice theory–based group therapy in reducing somatoform problems among nurses at Imam Reza Hospital in Tabriz. This study employed a quasi-experimental design with pretest, posttest, and follow-up assessments and a control group. The statistical population consisted of all nurses employed at this medical center. From this population, 40 eligible nurses were selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 20) and a control group (n = 20). Data were collected using the Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15), which was administered at three time points: pretest, posttest, and follow-up. The experimental group participated in 11 90-minute sessions of a choice theory–based therapeutic protocol, whereas the control group received no intervention. The data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The findings indicated that choice theory–based interventions significantly reduced the severity of somatoform problems at posttest (p < .01), and this therapeutic effect remained stable at the follow-up assessment. The results demonstrated that through learning key concepts of choice theory, including responsibility, satisfaction of basic needs, and awareness of internal control, nurses were able to manage occupational stressors more adaptively and reduce the conversion of psychological distress into physical symptoms. These findings underscore the importance of implementing brief, targeted psychological interventions within organizational health programs and mental health services for healthcare personnel.

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