Households in poverty often face psychological stress and anxiety disorders, which affect their poverty alleviation outcomes and quality of life. Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) is an effective psychological intervention that helps individuals regulate emotions and cope with stress. This study aims to investigate the impact of EFT on anxiety disorders and provide effective intervention methods and support.

100 impoverished households with anxiety disorders were selected as the experimental group for EFT and another 100 with the same situation as control group. The Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) was used to evaluate both groups, along with the application of EFT. Each treatment cycle consisted of 10 sessions, and three cycles constituted one treatment course. Depression scores were assessed for both groups at the end of each cycle until four treatment courses were completed.

After one treatment course, the average scores for the experimental and control groups were 52 and 53, respectively. After three treatment courses, the average scores were 43 and 52 for the experimental and control groups, respectively. After the intervention of EFT, the experimental group showed a significant reduction in anxiety levels, improved emotional regulation, and alleviation of psychological stress during the poverty alleviation process. There were no significant changes in anxiety levels for the control group.

EFT has a positive impact on anxiety disorders during the poverty alleviation process for rural households. These research findings provide a basis for effective intervention measures and support for rural households, enabling them to better cope with psychological distress and challenges during the poverty alleviation process.