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Ethics code: IR.IAU.AHVAZ.REC.1403.381
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Karimpour S, Safarzadeh S, Farashbandi A, Hafezi F. The Effectiveness of Narrative Exposure Therapy and Meta-Emotional Psychotherapy on Symptom Severity in Individuals with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Mod Care J 2026; 23 (3)
URL: http://mcj.bums.ac.ir/article-1-624-en.html
URL: http://mcj.bums.ac.ir/article-1-624-en.html
1- Department of Psychology, Ahv.C., Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran
2- Department of Psychology, Ahv.C., Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran ,safarzadesa@gmail.com
2- Department of Psychology, Ahv.C., Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran ,
Abstract: (56 Views)
Introduction: Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) is characterized by core PTSD symptoms alongside disturbances in self-organization (DSO), arising from prolonged or repeated trauma. Narrative exposure therapy (NET) targets traumatic memory integration through chronological narration, while meta-emotional psychotherapy (MEP) focuses on regulating secondary (meta-)emotional processes to improve emotional awareness and self-organization.
Objectives: This randomized clinical trial aimed to compare the efficacy of NET and MEP on symptom severity in individuals with CPTSD.
Methods: Using a pretest–posttest and three-month follow-up design, 45 participants in Ahvaz, Iran (2025) were recruited via convenience sampling and randomly assigned to NET (n = 15), MEP (n = 15), or a wait-list control group (n = 15). Both intervention groups received 14 weekly 90-minute sessions delivered by a trained psychotherapist following structured protocols. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc tests in SPSS (version 26). Symptom severity was assessed with the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ).
Results: Repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant group × time interactions for all symptom domains (all p < 0.001, with large effect sizes, partial η² ranging from 0.47 to 0.79). Both NET and MEP significantly reduced overall symptom severity compared to the control group (p < 0.001). No significant differences were found between NET and MEP in total CPTSD symptom severity (p > 0.05). NET showed greater reductions in re-experiencing symptoms, whereas MEP demonstrated superior effects on affective dysregulation and DSO.
Conclusion: Both NET and MEP effectively reduced CPTSD symptoms, with differential strengths aligning with their theoretical mechanisms. However, given the small sample size and convenience sampling, findings should be interpreted cautiously and require replication in larger, rigorously controlled trials.
Objectives: This randomized clinical trial aimed to compare the efficacy of NET and MEP on symptom severity in individuals with CPTSD.
Methods: Using a pretest–posttest and three-month follow-up design, 45 participants in Ahvaz, Iran (2025) were recruited via convenience sampling and randomly assigned to NET (n = 15), MEP (n = 15), or a wait-list control group (n = 15). Both intervention groups received 14 weekly 90-minute sessions delivered by a trained psychotherapist following structured protocols. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc tests in SPSS (version 26). Symptom severity was assessed with the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ).
Results: Repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant group × time interactions for all symptom domains (all p < 0.001, with large effect sizes, partial η² ranging from 0.47 to 0.79). Both NET and MEP significantly reduced overall symptom severity compared to the control group (p < 0.001). No significant differences were found between NET and MEP in total CPTSD symptom severity (p > 0.05). NET showed greater reductions in re-experiencing symptoms, whereas MEP demonstrated superior effects on affective dysregulation and DSO.
Conclusion: Both NET and MEP effectively reduced CPTSD symptoms, with differential strengths aligning with their theoretical mechanisms. However, given the small sample size and convenience sampling, findings should be interpreted cautiously and require replication in larger, rigorously controlled trials.
Article Types: Research Article |
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Received: 2026/04/28 | Accepted: 2026/08/1 | Published: 2026/07/19
Received: 2026/04/28 | Accepted: 2026/08/1 | Published: 2026/07/19
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