Comparison of the Effectiveness of Metacognitive Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Social Adjustment and Post-Traumatic Stress in Individuals with Cognitive-Attentional Syndrome

The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) on social adjustment and post-traumatic stress in individuals diagnosed with Cognitive-Attentional Syndrome (CAS) in Tehran during 2023–2024. The sampling method used in this study was simple random sampling, and the research design was quasi-experimental with a pretest-posttest control group structure. The statistical population consisted of all individuals who referred to the counseling centers of the Art and Cultural Organization of Tehran Municipality and were screened as having Cognitive-Attentional Syndrome. A total of 45 participants were selected from this population. Following the completion of pretest questionnaires, two experimental groups participated in eight therapy sessions based on either Metacognitive Therapy or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, while the control group received no training. Data were analyzed using SPSS-26 software and repeated measures analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The findings indicated that Metacognitive Therapy, in comparison with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, led to greater improvement in social adjustment from pretest to posttest and follow-up. However, this result was not observed for post-traumatic stress. Both therapeutic approaches equally reduced post-traumatic stress in participants. The results demonstrated that both Metacognitive Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy had favorable effects on improving social adjustment and reducing post-traumatic stress. Nonetheless, Metacognitive Therapy proved to be more effective in enhancing social adjustment among individuals with adjustment disorders. In contrast, no significant difference was observed between the two therapies in reducing post-traumatic stress, as both were equally effective.