The Role of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) in Reducing Generalized Anxiety Symptoms and Improving Cognitive Performance in Adolescents

The present study aimed to examine the role of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) in reducing symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and improving cognitive performance in adolescents. GAD is one of the most prevalent emotional disorders during adolescence, characterized by excessive worry, persistent tension, and reduced cognitive functioning such as attention and working memory. Using a quasi-experimental pretest–posttest design with a control group, this study investigated the effects of eight MBCT sessions on reducing GAD symptom severity and improving cognitive components—including attention, working memory, and cognitive flexibility—among adolescents aged ۱۳–۱۸ years. Results indicated that MBCT significantly reduced anxiety symptoms and enhanced cognitive performance compared to the control group. The findings provide empirical support for applying MBCT as an effective, non-pharmacological, and preventive approach in educational and clinical settings for adolescents. Furthermore, the study contributes to the development of indigenous literature on third-wave cognitive-behavioral interventions and supports the design of mental health promotion programs for Iranian youth.

Keywords:

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) , Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) , Cognitive Performance , Adolescents , Emotion Regulation