Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Roudehen Branch
2
M.A in General Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Islamic Azad University, Shahr-e Qods Branch, Tehran, Iran
3
M.A in Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Islamic Azad University, Ardabil Branch, Ardabil, Iran
4
PhD in Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
5
Professor, Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
10.30491/ijbs.2026.591717.2338
Abstract
Introduction: The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) on religious beliefs, self-harm thoughts, and cognitive fusion in patients with cancer.
Method: This study employed a quasi-experimental pre-test–post-test design with a control group. The study population consisted of cancer patients referred to oncology clinics and medical centers in Ardabil City in 2025. After screening 100 patients, 38 eligible participants were selected and randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 19) and a control group (n = 19). The experimental group received DBT in 8 sessions of 90 minutes, while the control group received no intervention. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance.
Results: The findings showed that DBT significantly increased ideological (F = 35.42), ritualistic (F = 40.76), experiential (F = 75.92), consequential (F = 36.15), and reduced self-harm thoughts (F = 48.37), and cognitive fusion (F = 38.19) in patients with cancer.
Conclusion: DBT may be a promising intervention for improving religious beliefs and reducing self-harm thoughts and cognitive fusion in patients with cancer. However, the quasi-experimental design, small sample size, and lack of follow-up limit causal inference and generalizability. Further randomized controlled and longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these findings.
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