Effectiveness of Schedule-Based Paradoxical Therapy on Separation Anxiety Symptoms and Mother–Child Relationship Functioning in Children Aged 6 to 9 Years

Abstract

Objective: Separation anxiety disorder is a common emotional disturbance in children and often disrupts family dynamics. Paradoxical therapy has emerged as a promising intervention strategy, yet its application in schedule-based formats remains underexplored. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of schedule-based paradoxical therapy in reducing separation anxiety symptoms and enhancing mother–child relationship functioning among children aged 6 to 9 years. Methods and Materials: A quasi-experimental, pretest–posttest design with a control group was employed. Twenty children diagnosed with separation anxiety were selected from psychological clinics in Saveh City, Iran, in 2024. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 10), which received six weekly 90-minute therapy sessions, or a control group (n = 10). Data were collected using the Separation Anxiety Scale and the Parent–Child Relationship Questionnaire and analyzed via MANCOVA. Findings: The intervention group demonstrated significant reductions in separation anxiety (F = 6.91, p = 0.016, η² = 0.26) and improvements in mother–child relationship scores (F = 14.97, p = 0.001, η² = 0.42) compared to the control group. Conclusion: Schedule-based paradoxical therapy effectively reduces separation anxiety symptoms and strengthens the mother–child relationship. This approach offers a culturally adaptable, time-efficient therapeutic option for clinical child psychologists.