Effectiveness of Psychodynamic Therapy on Psychological Hardiness and Shame in Individuals with Schizoid Personality Disorder

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy (ISTDP) on psychological hardiness and shame in individuals with schizoid personality disorder. Methods and Materials: This research employed a quasi-experimental design with pre-test, post-test, and a two-month follow-up, using a control group. The statistical population consisted of individuals meeting the diagnostic criteria for schizoid personality disorder based on clinical interviews. A total of 30 participants were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups (15 participants per group). Research instruments included the Kobasa Psychological Hardiness Scale and the Internalized Shame Scale (Cook). Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) with SPSS version 25. Findings: Findings indicated that intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy led to a significant reduction in shame and an increase in psychological hardiness in the experimental group compared to the control group (P < 0.01). These changes were maintained at the follow-up stage. Conclusion: The results indicate that psychodynamic therapy is effective in reducing shame and enhancing psychological hardiness in individuals with schizoid personality disorder. Therefore, this approach may be useful in improving the psychological adaptation of such individuals.