Comparing Mentalization and Emotion Regulation Interventions on on Working Memory, Theory of Mind, Sleep Problems, and Depressive Symptoms in Children with Sluggish Cognitive Tempo
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Objective: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT) and Cognitive Emotion Regulation (CER) training in improving working memory, theory of mind, sleep problems, and depressive symptoms in children with Sluggish Cognitive Tempo (SCT).
Methods and Materials: A quasi-experimental design with pretest, posttest, and 3-month follow-up was applied. Forty-five boys aged 9–12 years diagnosed with SCT were purposively selected and randomly assigned to three groups: MBT (n=15), CER (n=15), and a control group (n=15). Standardized instruments were used to measure working memory, theory of mind, sleep habits, and depressive symptoms. Both interventions lasted 12 sessions. Data were analyzed using mixed ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc tests.
Findings: Significant time-by-group interaction effects were found across all outcome variables (p < .001). The MBT group showed greater improvements than the CER group in working memory (η² = 0.47), theory of mind (η² = 0.52), sleep problems (η² = 0.44), and depressive symptoms (η² = 0.40). These effects persisted or even increased at follow-up. The control group showed no significant changes.
Conclusion: Both MBT and CER interventions improved cognitive and emotional functioning in children with SCT. However, MBT demonstrated superior and longer-lasting effects. These findings support the implementation of MBT in clinical and educational settings to address cognitive-emotional difficulties associated with SCT.
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