Investigating the Effect of a Self-working Therapeutic Training Program on Self-Perception, Meaning of Life, and Existential Anxiety Among Visitors of Clinics
Studying the effect of self-educational therapeutic program on self-perception, meaning of life, and existential anxiety of patients referred to Ahvaz clinics
Design
A controlled clinical trial with parallel groups, without blinding, randomized, on 30 patients. The rand function of Excel software will be used for randomization.
Settings and conduct
The statistical population of the present study includes all volunteer clients (male and female, aged between 18 and 50 years) to the Rayan Psychology Clinic in Ahvaz during the period of February 1404 who meet the conditions for entering the study. In the sample selection stage, the available sampling method will be used.
After selecting the samples of 30 people, based on the study's entry and exit criteria, the participants will be randomly assigned to two groups: "self-education therapy" (intervention group) and "waiting list" (control group).
Participants/Inclusion and exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: Score below average on the self-perception questionnaire, age range between 18 and 50 years.
Exclusion criteria: Unwillingness to participate in the study, receiving concurrent psychological or pharmacological treatment.
Intervention groups
The intervention group consists of people who will receive the self-training program. The control group consists of people who will not receive any intervention.
Main outcome variables
Self-perception, meaning of life, existential anxiety
General information
Reason for update
Acronym
IRCT registration information
IRCT registration number:IRCT20260105068554N1
Registration date:2026-01-10, 1404/10/20
Registration timing:prospective
Last update:2026-01-10, 1404/10/20
Update count:0
Registration date
2026-01-10, 1404/10/20
Registrant information
Name
Atefeh Sorkheh
Name of organization / entity
Country
Iran (Islamic Republic of)
Phone
+98 61 3333 3333
Email address
atefesarkhe@gmail.com
Recruitment status
Recruitment complete
Funding source
Expected recruitment start date
2026-01-25, 1404/11/05
Expected recruitment end date
2026-02-09, 1404/11/20
Actual recruitment start date
empty
Actual recruitment end date
empty
Trial completion date
empty
Scientific title
Investigating the Effect of a Self-working Therapeutic Training Program on Self-Perception, Meaning of Life, and Existential Anxiety Among Visitors of Clinics
Public title
Investigating the effect of self-discipline on mental health and meaning in life of anxious individuals
Purpose
Treatment
Inclusion/Exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria:
Participants aged between 18 and 50 years old
scored below average on the self-perception questionnaire.
Exclusion criteria:
Unwillingness to cooperate and participate in the research
Receiving concurrent psychological or pharmacological treatment
Age
From 18 years old to 50 years old
Gender
Both
Phase
N/A
Groups that have been masked
No information
Sample size
Target sample size:
30
Randomization (investigator's opinion)
Randomized
Randomization description
The statistical population of the present study includes all volunteer clients (male and female, aged between 18 and 50 years) to the psychology clinic in the period of February 1404 who have problems in the field of anxiety, meaning-seeking or issues related to identity and self-knowledge and are interested in participating in educational-therapeutic courses. In the sample selection stage, the available sampling method is used.
After selecting the samples based on the study's entry and exit criteria, the participants will be randomly assigned to two groups: "self-training educational therapy" (intervention group) and "waiting list" (control group). Randomization is performed using the random block method with variable sizes (4 and 6 people) by an independent statistician who is not involved in the implementation process. The random allocation list is generated using the RAND function in Excel software and then placed in opaque, sealed, and numbered envelopes so that the researcher and participants are not aware of the allocation sequence (allocation concealment). Opening the envelope and informing the allocation group will only be done when each participant enters the study.
Blinding (investigator's opinion)
Not blinded
Blinding description
Placebo
Not used
Assignment
Parallel
Other design features
Secondary Ids
empty
Ethics committees
1
Ethics committee
Name of ethics committee
Ethics Committee of Islamic Azad University of Ahvaz Branch
People with anxiety disorder with symptoms of existential anxiety
ICD-10 code
F41.1
ICD-10 code description
Generalized anxiety disorder
Primary outcomes
1
Description
Self-perception
Timepoint
1. Pre-test (before the start of the intervention)2. Post-test (immediately after the end of the intervention period)3. One-month follow-up after the intervention
Method of measurement
The method of measurement will be through a self-perception questionnaire.
2
Description
The meaning of life
Timepoint
1. Pre-test (before the start of the intervention)2. Post-test (immediately after the end of the intervention period)3. One-month follow-up after the intervention
Method of measurement
The measurement method will be the Stagger Meaning of Life Questionnaire (MLQ).
3
Description
Existential anxiety
Timepoint
1. Pre-test (before the start of the intervention)2. Post-test (immediately after the end of the intervention period)3. One-month follow-up after the intervention
Method of measurement
The method of measurement will be through the existential anxiety questionnaire (Persian version of the Yalom Existential Scale).
Secondary outcomes
empty
Intervention groups
1
Description
Intervention group: Self-discipline training therapy program; Duration of each session: 90 minutes; Total number of sessions: 8 sessions; Sequence of sessions: Twice a week; Therapeutic tools used: This intervention emphasizes strengthening the individual's internal resources, including self-awareness, self-compassion, and discovery of personal meaning. The main therapeutic tools include: guided group discussion; mindfulness exercises to increase self-awareness; guided imagery exercises to enhance self-compassion; self-reflection and internal review exercises to recognize personal values and goals; anxiety management and relaxation techniques. The content of the various sessions is summarized as follows: Session 1: Conducting a pre-test; Introducing and explaining the concept of "self-discipline" and the goals of the program. Session 2: Examining self-perception; Identifying negative thought patterns and inner critics. Session 3: Teaching the principles and exercises of mindfulness to reduce anxiety. Session 4: Introducing and strengthening self-compassion; self-compassion imagery exercises. Session 5: Discovering the meaning and personal values of life; Aligning actions with values. Session 6: Discussion and confrontation with existential anxiety; meaningful solutions for it. Session 7: Review of skills, teaching relaxation techniques and planning for sustainable self-discipline. Session 8: Summarizing the discussions; conducting a post-test and planning for follow-up.
Category
Treatment - Other
2
Description
Control group: The control group will not receive any intervention during the research, but will receive the intervention after data collection to prevent factors that threaten the internal validity of the research, such as compensatory competition from the control group or demoralization.
Category
Treatment - Other
Recruitment centers
1
Recruitment center
Name of recruitment center
Rayan Ahvaz Psychotherapy Clinic
Full name of responsible person
Atefeh Sorkheh
Street address
1st Floor, Mahtab Complex, between 4th and 5th East Streets, Kianpars