Meta-Analysis of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Research Conducted in Iran: Does Outcome Type, Intervention Modality,...

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Mental Health Research
• Therapeutic Interventions

Background:

• Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) is a goal-oriented, solution-building approach to psychotherapy.
• There is a growing need to evaluate the efficacy of established therapeutic modalities in diverse cultural contexts, such as Iran.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize evidence from randomized and non-randomized controlled trials on the effectiveness of SFBT in Iranian populations.
• To examine the applications of SFBT across various Iranian settings and evaluate its impact on different outcomes.
• To determine if intervention modality or delivery format influences SFBT outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive meta-analysis was conducted, searching multiple Iranian and US databases, conference proceedings, and professional websites.
• 34 controlled trials (randomized and non-randomized) involving Iranian populations were included in the meta-analytic analysis.
• Statistical analyses, including effect size calculations (Cohen's d) and subgroup analyses, were performed to assess treatment efficacy.

Main Results:

• The meta-analysis revealed a large, significant overall treatment effect size for SFBT (d = 0.977, p < 0.001).
• Subgroup analyses indicated large significant effects for psychosocial and mental health interventions (g = 1.24, p < 0.001) and self-wellness (g = 0.903, p = 0.00274).
• SFBT demonstrated effectiveness in group therapy settings (d = 1.04, p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• Solution-focused brief therapy is an effective intervention for Iranian populations.
• SFBT demonstrates broad applicability and significant positive outcomes in mental health, psychosocial well-being, and self-wellness within Iran.
• The findings support the use of SFBT in both individual and group formats in Iranian therapeutic settings.