Presented article was performed with the main goal of investigating the effect of cognitive group therapy based on schema-focused therapy approach in runaway girls. This study is an applied and quasi-experimental type (with Non-equivalent control group design). The subjects were selected by using convenient sampling method from the list of runaway girls in shelters in Mashhad. 16 subjects selected (8 persons in each group) and the Young Schema Questionnaire-short form (YSQ) with reliability ratio of 0.94 was performed as pre-test. Then the experimental group was subjected to the intervention of cognitive group therapy based on schema-focused therapy approach. After a 11 session treatment (each session being 60 minutes, twice at the week) in experimental group in order to measure the dependent variables (the score of early maladaptive schemas and total score of YSQ), Young Schema Questionnaire- short form were repeated as post-test in both groups. The results of statistical analysis of T-test and Mann- Whitney U test supported the main hypothesis (verified with a significant value of p=0.000 and reliability of 99%). As a result, cognitive group therapy based on schema- focused therapy approach in comparison with control group would significantly reduce the total score in YSQ and other early maladaptive schemes scores except insufficient self-control, failure, self-sacrifice in T-test analysis. Mann-Whitney U test also would show that intervention significantly would reduce the total score and all schemas scores, except insufficient self-control, failure, self- sacrifice and entitlement.

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