Zeynab Zaheri, Mohammad Kazem Fakhri, Shaaban Heydari,
Volume 22, Issue 2 (9-2024)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy on cognitive flexibility and executive functioning in epilepsy patients.
Materials and Methods: This research was a semi-experimental study with a pre-test and post-test format with a control group. The statistical population was all girls aged 7 to 14 years with epilepsy in Mazandaran province, Iran. The statistical sample included 40 girls (20 in the experimental group and 20 in the control group) selected by the available sampling method and randomly assigned in the two groups. The data collection tools were Dennis et al.'s Cognitive Flexibility (2010) and Coolidge's (2002) Executive Function questionnaires. Data analysis was done using SPSS software version 26.
Results: Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) showed that the cognitive behavioral training program had a direct effect on cognitive flexibility and executive functioning of the girls with epilepsy. The effect on cognitive flexibility (F=5.44 (35,1)) and executive functioning (F=2.73 (1,35)) was significantly different at the 0.001 level (P>0.01).
Conclusion: It is concluded that cognitive behavioral therapy has an effect on the cognitive flexibility and executive functioning of epilepsy patients, and the patients affected by cognitive behavioral therapy improve their cognitive flexibility and executive functions.
