The comparison of cognitive behavior therapy and Islamic based spiritual religion psychotherapy on reducing of student's overt anxiety

Aim and This research aimed to compare the effects of cognitive behavioral therapy and Islamic-based spiritual-religious psychotherapy on reducing overt anxiety level of male students residing in dormitory. Methods and Materials: This clinical trial study used Cattell''s anxiety questionnaire to identify anxious students. Afterwards، 45 students from Allame Tabatabaie University selected and randomly assigned into 3 groups of cognitive behavioral therapy، spiritual-religious psychotherapy، and control. They received therapeutic methods in the form of groups for two hours per week (12 sessions). Data was analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The results showed that no significant difference between the two therapeutic methods in reducing anxiety levels. In fact، both methods were significantly effective in reducing overt anxiety of students. Islamic-based spiritual-religious psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy can reduce overt anxiety.