Hospital Practices and Research

Abstract Background: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) represents a transitional stage between normal age-related cognitive decline and dementia. In this population, psychological factors such as hope and self-efficacy are frequently impaired, contributing to reduced quality of life and potential progression to dementia.
Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effects of cognitive rehabilitation (CR) and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on self-efficacy and hope in individuals with MCI.
Methods: A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design with a control group and a three-month follow-up was employed. The study population comprised patients with MCI attending memory and cognitive rehabilitation clinics in Tehran in 2024. Forty-five participants were selected through convenience sampling and randomly allocated to three groups: CR (n = 15), MBSR (n = 15), and control (n = 15). Each intervention group received 10 sessions, while the control group received no intervention. Outcomes were assessed using the General Self-Efficacy Scale and the Adult Hope Scale. Data were analyzed with repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA).
Results: CR significantly improved self-efficacy at posttest (P < 0.01), with effects well maintained (and slightly numerically increased) at the three-month follow-up. MBSR showed no significant immediate effect on self-efficacy but was superior to control at follow-up. Both CR and MBSR significantly increased hope (P < 0.05), with CR showing greater improvements at posttest (P < 0.05). Direct comparisons indicated CR superiority over MBSR mainly at posttest for both outcomes.
Conclusion: Both interventions provide psychological benefits for individuals with MCI, but CR appears to be more effective in strengthening self-efficacy beliefs and future-oriented motivation. Clinically, this suggests CR as a valuable adjunct to support autonomy in MCI patients.

Abstract Background: The pervasive impact of depression on cognitive-attentional processes and future hope in young individuals underscores the critical need to investigate targeted interventions. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in improving Cognitive-Attentional Syndrome (CAS) and enhancing hope for the future in young adults experiencing depression. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was employed with a pre-test/post-test control group. The target population consisted of young adults aged 18-35 years diagnosed with depression, who presented for services at psychology and counseling centers in Ahvaz during 2021. A convenience sample of 40 eligible individuals was recruited and randomized into two groups: an experimental group and a control group, each comprising 20 participants. Data were collected using the Cognitive Attentional Syndrome Questionnaire (CAS-Q) and the Adult Hope Scale (AHS). The experimental group underwent eight weekly 90-minute sessions of ACT, while the control group was placed on a waitlist with no intervention. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was employed to analyze the collected data. Results: A statistically significant reduction was found in CAS scores (F=255.28, P<0.001, η=0.83) and a significant increase in hope scores (F=296.46, P<0.001, η=0.93) among young adults with depression in the post-intervention assessment within the ACT group, relative to the control group. These findings indicate that ACT is an effective treatment for mitigating maladaptive cognitive-attentional patterns and cultivating greater hope for the future in this demographic. Conclusion: This study provides robust evidence for the efficacy of ACT in reducing CAS and enhancing dispositional hope in young adults with depression. These findings suggest ACT’s potential as a scalable clinical intervention to address core psychological processes and improve long-term mental health outcomes.