Strengthening the Wise-and-Competent Mode: Effects of Group Schema Therapy for Children

Abstract

This pilot study evaluated the effects of a group intervention based on an extended Schema Therapy framework designed to strengthen the Wise-and-Competent mode in children, an adaptive psychological resource associated with flexible emotional regulation and healthy copings. A quasi-experimental 2 (Group: intervention vs. control) × 2 (Time: pre-intervention vs. post-intervention) mixed design was used. The final sample included 41 students aged 10–12 years (21 intervention, 20 control). Participants completed measures of emotional intelligence, anxiety, and coping strategies before and after the intervention. The protocol consisted of 25 sessions organized across six stages. Data were analyzed using mixed-design ANOVA. Results supported all study hypotheses. Compared with the control group, the intervention group showed significant increases in emotional intelligence and functional copings, and significant reductions in anxiety and dysfunctional copings. No comparable changes were observed in the control group. The findings suggest reduced use of maladaptive coping modes and lower anxiety levels, alongside enhanced adaptive coping modes associated with emotional regulation, supporting the potential effectiveness of group schema therapy interventions in children.