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Examining the Effectiveness of Existential-Cognitive Therapy on Distress Tolerance and Meaning in Life Among Female University Students
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Mostafa Arab narmi   , Ahmad Mansoori * , Mostafa Bolghan-Abadi2 |
| Department of Psychology, Ne.C., Islamic Azad University, Neyshabur, Iran , mansoury_am@iau.ac.ir |
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Abstract: (22 Views) |
Background:Social and economic pressures can negatively affect university students’ life satisfaction and lead to a decline in their mental health. Accordingly, the present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of existential-cognitive therapy in improving distress tolerance and meaning in life among female university students in Neyshabur, Iran.
Methods:This applied study employed a quasi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test assessments and a control group. The statistical population consisted of all students enrolled at the Islamic Azad University, Neyshabur Branch, in 2024. A total of 30 students were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned by drawing lots to two groups of 15 participants each: an intervention group and a control group. The experimental group received ten 90-minute sessions of existential-cognitive therapy. Data were collected using the short form of the Distress Tolerance Scale and the Meaning in Life Questionnaire. Data were analysed using repeated-measures analysis of variance in SPSS version 26.
Results:The findings indicated that post-test scores for distress tolerance and meaning in life increased significantly in the existential-cognitive therapy group compared with pre-test scores (p < .01). Furthermore, follow-up assessments indicated that these improvements were maintained over time (p < .01).
Conclusion:The findings suggest that existential-cognitive therapy is effective in improving distress tolerance and meaning in life among female university students. Therefore, mental health professionals, particularly university counsellors, are encouraged to consider incorporating existential-cognitive therapy into their interventions to promote students’ psychological well-being.
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| Keywords: Existential-cognitive therapy, meaning in life, distress tolerance, university students, female students |
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Type of Study: Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing |
Subject:
behavioral sciences
Received: 2026/10/21 | Accepted: 2026/11/1 | Published: 2026/10/2
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