The effectiveness of the integrated group therapy on increasing the prisoners' self-esteem

The previous studies have shown the commitment of most crimes and offensive behaviors are the root of psychological disorders. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness integrated group therapy in increasing the male prisoners' self-esteem of central prison of Mashhad. Settings and Design: Statistical population included all the male prisoners of the central prison of Mashhad who were addicted to drugs. A sample from these prisoners was selected randomly and was assigned in experimental and control groups (12 participants in each group). Subjects and The research method of this study was semi-experimental with pretest/posttest/follow-up and control group design. Weekly group sessions were holding which last for 2 h during 1½ months. For gathering the data demographic and Coopersmith's self-esteem questionnaire were used. Statistical Analysis Used: For analyzing the data, ANCOVA test was used. Findings show that those who had received the intervention expressed high level of self-esteem to those who had not received it (control group participants). It could be concluded that the group therapy by the integrated approach has effective influence on increasing the male prisoner's self-esteem of central prison of Mashhad.