The effect of cognitive behavioral therapy on stress and anxiety of mothers of girls with precocious puberty symptoms: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Precocious puberty in girls has been associated with an increased risk of stress and anxiety in their mothers. This study aimed to investigate the effect of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on perceived stress, anxiety, and quality of life of mothers of girls with precocious puberty symptoms. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 70 mothers of girls with precocious puberty symptoms in Tabriz-Iran, 2021. The participants were randomly assigned to CBT (n=35) and control (n=35) groups through block randomization. Group counseling was provided to the intervention group in eight sessions of 45-60 minutes weekly with 5 to 7 women. The control group was given a booklet about the stages of puberty. Independent t-test and ANCOVA were used to compare the outcomes between the groups four week after the intervention. Findings: After the intervention, based on ANCOVA test with adjusting the baseline values, mean scores of stress (mean difference (MD): -10.7; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): -11.7 to -9.72; P<0.001), state anxiety (MD: -14.3; 95% CI: -15.7 to -12.7; P<0.001) and trait anxiety (MD: -12.8; 95% CI: -14.4 to -11.1; P< 0.001) were significantly lower in CBT group compared to the control group. Also mean score of quality of life (MD: 9.8; 95% CI: 6.7 to 12.9; P<0.001) was significantly higher in CBT group compared to the control group. Conclusion: Based on the results, group CBT is effective in reducing stress and anxiety and improving the quality of life of mothers of girls with precocious puberty symptoms. However, more studies are required to make a definite conclusion in this field.