ANALYZING THE MEDIATING ROLE OF MARITAL STATUS IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY AND PSYCHOLOGICAL ADAPTATION AMONG PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM NEUROPSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS

Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in improving mental health outcomes and psychological adaptation among individuals with neuropsychiatric disorders. The objectives were to assess the prevalence of anxiety and depression, evaluate changes in resilience, life satisfaction, life adjustment, and psychological well-being following CBT, and explore relationships among these variables. A sample of 35 participants was recruited through purposive sampling from government and private hospitals, as well as psychiatric clinics across Pakistan. A one-group pretest–posttest design with a mixed-methods approach was employed. Quantitative measures included the Aga Khan University Anxiety and Depression Scale (AKUADS), Mental Health Continuum–Short Form (MHC-SF), Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), and Brief Adjustment Scale. Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests and nonparametric correlation analyses. Results indicated significant reductions in anxiety (Z = –4.12, p < .001) and depression (Z = –4.03, p < .001) following the intervention. Significant improvements were also observed in resilience, life satisfaction, life adjustment, and overall psychological well-being. Post-intervention correlations revealed that resilience was positively associated with life satisfaction (r = .42, p = .011) and life adjustment (r = .41, p = .013). Qualitative findings from therapist notes and clinical observations further supported improvements in emotional regulation, coping strategies, self-awareness, and problem-solving skills. The findings suggest that culturally adapted CBT is effective in reducing psychological distress and enhancing adaptive functioning among individuals with neuropsychiatric disorders. Future research should incorporate control groups, larger sample sizes, and longitudinal follow-up to strengthen generalizability.