Effectiveness of Schema Mode Therapy for Children and Adolescents in the Internalizing Behaviors Problems among Adolescents Referred to Consulting Center in Ahvaz, Iran

Background: internalizing behaviors problems, such as anxiety and depression, are two common disorders in adolescents. these problems result in negative outcomes, including dropping out of school, drug abuse, a higher risk of suicide, and other psychological consequences. the present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of schema mode therapy for children and adolescents (st-ca) in the internalizing behaviors problems among adolescents referred to consulting center in ahvaz, iran.methods: this quasi-experimental study was conducted based on a pretest-posttest design and a control group. the statistical population comprised adolescents aged 12-14 years having behavioral, educational, and mood problems who were referred to counseling centers in ahvaz, iran. the sample consisted of 30 adolescents (11 boys and 19 girls) selected by the convenience sampling method and randomly divided into experimental and control groups (15 cases per group). the experimental group underwent 14 sessions (120-min sessions per week) of st-ca. the research instrument included the child behavior checklist. data analysis was performed using spss software (version 26).results: the findings of the present study revealed that st-ca had a significant effect on the improvement of the internalizing problems (anxiety-depression, withdrawal-depression, and somatic complaints) (p<0.001).conclusion: it seems that the st-ca well reduces internalizing problems; therefore, it is recommended that this method be used for adolescents.