Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences Hospital Practices and Research 2476-390X 11 2 2026 06 01 Comparative Impact of Cognitive Rehabilitation versus Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Hope and Self-Efficacy in Mild Cognitive Impairment 900 907 248461 10.30491/hpr.2026.567987.1529 EN Hamide Vazirkhanlo Department of Psychology, CT.B., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran 0009-0000-6303-4732 Marjan Alizadeh Department of Psychology, CT.B., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran 0000-0002-1772-3518 Mojgan Sepahmansour Department of Psychology, CT.B., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran 0000-0002-0575-4018 Journal Article 2025 12 22 <strong>Background:</strong> 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.<br><strong>Objectives:</strong> 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.<br><strong>Methods:</strong> 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).<br><strong>Results:</strong> 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.<br><strong>Conclusion:</strong> 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. https://www.jhpr.ir/article_248461_f27e3a123851c08e4965742c31e8dad3.pdf