Comparing the effectiveness of treatment based on mentalization and treatment based on parent-child relationship on executive functions and anxiety symptoms of anxious children.

Research and clinical observations demonstrate that anxiety is a prevalent mental health issue in children, impacting various aspects of their lives throughout different developmental stages. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of mentalization-based therapy and parent-child relationship-based therapy in addressing executive functions and anxiety symptoms in anxious children. This research employed a semi-experimental design with pre-test, post-test, and follow-up assessments. The study's statistical population consisted of mothers of anxious children from the Bandar Abbas Oil Refining Company in 1402, with 45 eligible participants selected through available sampling and randomly assigned to two experimental groups and a control group. Assessment tools included Giova et al.'s behavioral rating questionnaires (2000) and the Spence-Parent Form children's anxiety scale (1998) administered at pre-test, post-test, and follow-up stages. Data analysis utilized SPSS 26 software, incorporating descriptive and inferential statistics. The results of the mixed variance analysis indicated a significant difference between the control group and the mentalization-based and relationship-based treatment groups regarding executive functions and anxiety symptoms in anxious children (P < 0.05). Both mentalization and parent-child relationship interventions contributed to reduced anxiety symptoms and improved executive functions in anxious children. Furthermore, parent-child relationship therapy demonstrated greater efficacy in alleviating anxiety symptoms compared to mentalization-based therapy. Consequently, based on the study's outcomes, it is plausible to consider mentalization and parent-child relationship interventions as appropriate strategies for enhancing executive functions and alleviating anxiety symptoms in anxious children.