Comparison of modular cognitive-behavioral therapy and behavioral activation on the intolerance of uncertainty in students with generalized anxiety disorder

Abstract

Context: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is one of the most common psychological disorders. The prevalence of GAD among students is higher than the general population. Aims: The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of modular cognitive-behavioral therapy (MCBT) and behavioral activation (BA) on the intolerance of uncertainty of students with GAD. Setting and Design: This research was a semi-experimental design with pre- and post-test design with follow-up conducted for two groups in counseling center of Neyshabur University during the period of January-April 2019. Materials and Methods: The study population included all students of Neyshabur University. The samples recruited from students who referred to the counseling center of Neyshabur University (45 cases) based on the purposive sampling method. The students who diagnosed with GAD based on Spitzer general anxiety questionnaire and met criteria (45 cases) randomly assigned into three groups of MCBT (15 cases), BA (15 cases), and control group (15 cases). Statistical Analysis Used: Data were collected using Spitzer general anxiety questionnaire (2006) and Freeston Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (1994). Data were analyzed using the SPSS version 24 software through repeated measure analysis. Results: The findings revealed both intervention groups in reduction of the intolerance of uncertainty in comparison to the control group (P > 0.05). Results reported by participants in the MCBT group showed greater mean scores as compared to the BA group. However, no significant difference found between groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: It can be concluded that MCBT implies decreasing the uncertainty severity of students with general anxiety than BA therapy, although the stability of BA therapy was longer. Therefore, it is suggested to use integrated therapeutic approaches.