Comparison of the Effectiveness of Narrative Therapy and Schema Therapy on Self-Actualization in Middle-Aged Women

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of narrative therapy and schema therapy on self-actualization in middle-aged women in Shahrekord in 2024. In a quasi-experimental study with a pretest–posttest control group design, 60 middle-aged women were randomly assigned to three groups (20 in narrative therapy, 20 in schema therapy, and 20 in the control group). Self-actualization was measured using the Ahvaz Self-Actualization Inventory (ASAI). Narrative therapy interventions were implemented in 8 sessions based on the protocol by Jardemo (2023), and schema therapy interventions were conducted in 9 sessions according to the protocol by Young et al. (2018). Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) in SPSS version 23. The results showed that both interventions had a statistically significant positive effect on self-actualization (p < .001); however, narrative therapy demonstrated greater effectiveness than schema therapy (p < .001). The mean posttest scores for self-actualization were 69.35 for the narrative therapy group, 57.45 for the schema therapy group, and 45.11 for the control group. The effect size was 0.528 for narrative therapy and 0.347 for schema therapy, indicating a substantial impact of both interventions. These findings align with recent studies, suggesting that narrative therapy, through reconstructing life narratives, and schema therapy, by modifying maladaptive schemas, can enhance self-actualization in middle-aged women. Future research is recommended to investigate the role of cultural factors and conduct long-term follow-ups.