Exploring the Impact of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Cognitive Flexibility and Interpersonal Forgiveness among Individuals Recovered from COVID-19

Abstract

Background and Aim:Covid-19 caused many psychological problems. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy on cognitive flexibility and interpersonal forgiveness in individuals who have recovered from the virus. Materials and Methods:A semi-experimental research design with pre-test, post-test, and follow-up assessments was employed, including a control group. The statistical population consisted of all COVID-19 patients who sought treatment at hospitals in MASKED FOR REVIEW in 2022. By availability sampling method, 30 individuals were selected and assigned to the experimental group (n=15) and the control group (n=15). The experimental group underwent nine sessions of cognitive-behavioral therapy. Data collection instruments included the Cognitive Flexibility Questionnaire by Dennis and Vander Wall (2010) and the Interpersonal Forgiveness Questionnaire by Ehtshamzadeh.Covariance analysis was employed to analyze the data, and repeated measures analysis of variance was used to assess the stability of the treatment effects. Results:The research findings demonstrated that cognitive-behavioral therapy significantly enhanced cognitive flexibility (η² = 0.77, F = 80.71, P = 0.001) and interpersonal forgiveness (η² = 0.72, F = 60.95, P = 0.001) in individuals who have recovered from COVID-19. Conclusion:It can be concluded that cognitive-behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for improving cognitive flexibility and interpersonal forgiveness in individuals recovered from COVID-19. This can be explained by CBT's ability to reduce cognitive rigidity, promote adaptive thinking, and enhance emotional regulation, which helps individuals forgive others and cope better with the psychological effects of the illness