An Evaluation of Reduction Self-System Therapy's Effectiveness in Reducing Perfectionism and Persistent Depressive Symptoms Among Women in Isfahan

Somayeh  Soleymani; Yousef  Gorji; Mahmood  Sharifi Esfahani

doi:10.18502/tbj.v24i3.20758

Somayeh Soleymani Ph.D. Student in Department of Counseling, Kho.C., Islamic Azad University, Khomeinishahr, Iran.
Yousef Gorji Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Kho.C., Islamic Azad University, Khomeinishahr, Iran
Mahmood Sharifi Esfahani Assistant Professor, Department of Counseling, , Kho.C., Islamic Azad University, Khomeinishahr, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/tbj.v24i3.20758

Keywords: Persistent Depression, Dysthymia, Self-System Therapy, Psychotherapy, Perfectionism, Women

Abstract

Introduction: Persistent depressive disorder is nearly twice as prevalent in women as in men and is closely linked to perfectionistic traits. This chronic condition is associated with reduced quality of life, impaired social functioning, and increased suicide risk. Self-System Therapy (SST) is a novel and specialized approach for treating depression. Although its effectiveness has been demonstrated internationally, SST has not yet been independently and systematically evaluated in Iran, and its cultural adaptation remains in early stages. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of SST in reducing persistent depression and perfectionism.

Methods: A semi-experimental pretest-posttest design with a control group was employed. Twenty-four women aged 20–50 with persistent depressive symptoms were selected from counseling centers in Isfahan based on DSM-5 criteria and scores on the Cornell Dysthymia Rating Scale (CDRS). Participants were purposefully and randomly assigned to SST (n=12) or control (n=12). The experimental group received 10 weekly sessions of SST therapy. Assessment tools included the CDRS and Hill’s Perfectionism Questionnaire, both validated in prior Iranian studies. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA across three phases: pretest, posttest, and three-month follow-up.

Results: The results of the study showed that the mean scores of persistent depression and perfectionism in the experimental group decreased compared to the control group after the intervention, and this change was reported to be significant (p<0/001, η²=0/80). Moreover, the therapeutic effects remained stable during the follow-up phase.

Conclusion: The study showed that the use of SST can be effective in reducing persistent depression and perfectionism.