Background and Aim: The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a combined program of Philosophy for Children (P4C) and gamification on reducing early maladaptive schemas and increasing divergent thinking in male sixth-grade elementary school students.

Methods: The research method was quasi-experimental with a pretest–posttest design and a control group. The statistical population included all male sixth-grade elementary school students in Kaj, Ardal County, in the academic year 2024–2025. From this population, 30 students were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to two groups: experimental (n = 15) and control (n = 15). The experimental group participated in a combined Philosophy for Children program based on gamification over 12 sessions of 45 minutes, two sessions per week, while the control group received no intervention during this period. Data collection instruments included the Early Maladaptive Schemas Questionnaire by Rijkeboer and Boo (2010) and the Torrance Test of Divergent Thinking, Figural Form (1996). Data were analyzed using univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA).

Results: The findings showed that the mean scores of early maladaptive schemas in the experimental group decreased from 143.8 in the pretest to 118.6 in the posttest, and this difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Also, the mean scores of divergent thinking increased from 137.5 in the pretest to 172.8 in the posttest (P < 0.001). The intervention effect size was reported as 1.33% for early maladaptive schemas and 3.29% for divergent thinking.

Conclusion: Based on the findings, the combined program of Philosophy for Children and gamification can be used as an effective and feasible educational intervention within the time frame of elementary school classes to reduce maladaptive cognitive patterns and strengthen students’ divergent thinking and creativity. Accordingly, it is recommended that this program be designed and implemented in the form of empowerment courses and in-service training workshops for elementary school teachers.