Iranian Association for Intelligence and Talent Studies International Journal of Education and Cognitive Sciences 3041-8828 7 March 2026 2026 01 30 Comparison of the Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Therapy and Schema Therapy on Self-Injurious Behaviors and Attitude Toward Life in Students with Parents Diagnosed with Cancer Comparison of the Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Therapy and Schema Therapy on Self-Injurious Behaviors and Attitude Toward Life in Students with Parents Diagnosed with Cancer 1 15 EN Journal Article 2025 09 03 <p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of mindfulness-based therapy and schema therapy in reducing self-injurious behaviors and improving attitude toward life among students with parents diagnosed with cancer.</p> <p><strong>Methods and Materials: </strong>This study employed a quasi-experimental design with pretest, posttest, control group, and follow-up assessments. The statistical population consisted of all students with parents diagnosed with cancer in Sari during the 2026–2027 academic year. Using non-random purposive sampling, 45 participants were selected and assigned to three groups: Group 1, mindfulness-based therapy (n = 15); Group 2, schema therapy (n = 15); and Group 3, control group (n = 15). Participants were randomly assigned to the study groups using a lottery method, and the two intervention groups received mindfulness-based therapy and schema therapy, respectively. Data were collected using the standardized Inventory of Statements About Self-Injury developed by Klonsky and Glenn (2009) and Reker’s Life Attitude Profile (1992). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (means and standard deviations) and inferential statistics (repeated-measures analysis of variance).</p> <p><strong>Findings:</strong> The results indicated that both mindfulness-based therapy and schema therapy were effective in reducing self-injurious behaviors and improving attitude toward life among students with parents diagnosed with cancer. Significant differences were observed between the study groups.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Overall, mindfulness-based therapy demonstrated greater effectiveness than schema therapy across all variables examined in the study. Furthermore, the relative maintenance of changes during the follow-up phase indicated that the positive effects of both interventions were sustained over time; however, the durability of these effects was more pronounced in the mindfulness-based therapy group.</p> https://journalecs.com/index.php/ecs/article/download/453/394