Schema-Focused Therapy from Participants’ Perspectives: A Phenomenological Analysis of Breaking Conflict Cycles and Fulfilling Basic Emotional Needs

Moghaddamfar, Nayereh

Volume 26, Issue 30 (12-2025) JNIP 2025, 26(30): 1-13 | Back to browse issues page

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Moghaddamfar N. Schema-Focused Therapy from Participants’ Perspectives: A Phenomenological Analysis of Breaking Conflict Cycles and Fulfilling Basic Emotional Needs. JNIP 2025; 26 (30) :1-13
URL: http://jnip.ir/article-1-1384-en.html

Schema-Focused Therapy from Participants’ Perspectives: A Phenomenological Analysis of Breaking Conflict Cycles and Fulfilling Basic Emotional Needs

Nayereh Moghaddamfar ^*

Department of Psychology, TeMS.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract: (36 Views)

This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of participants undergoing schema-focused therapy, with particular attention to how interpersonal conflict cycles are disrupted and how basic emotional needs are gradually fulfilled. A qualitative design based on Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was employed. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with 12 participants residing in Tehran, selected via purposive sampling until theoretical saturation was achieved. Data analysis was conducted concurrently with data collection using the IPA approach. The analysis yielded four main themes: gradual awareness of schema patterns, emotional confrontation and corrective experiences within the therapeutic relationship, breaking cycles of interpersonal conflict, and movement toward fulfillment of basic emotional needs. These themes depict therapeutic change as a progressive, dynamic, and interconnected process that begins at the intrapersonal level and extends to relational reconstruction. The findings suggest that schema-focused therapy, as experienced by participants, goes beyond symptom reduction and facilitates emotional reconstruction, enhanced emotional self-regulation, and improved interpersonal relationships. These insights may inform the refinement of therapeutic interventions and the development of client-centered clinical practices.

Keywords: Schema-Focused Therapy, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, Lived Experience, Interpersonal Conflict, Basic Emotional Needs

Full-Text [PDF 357 kb] (22 Downloads)

Type of Study: Research | Subject: Special
Received: 2025/10/10 | Accepted: 2025/11/5 | Published: 2025/12/1