The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Training on Self-Harmful Behaviors and Protective Factors of Substance Abuse in adolescent at juvenile correction and rehabilitation center

 The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based training on self-harming behaviors and protective factors of substance abuse among adolescents at the juvenile correction and rehabilitation center at Tehran.

The research method was quasi-experimental with pre-test-posttest design with control group. The statistical population of this study consisted of all adolescents aged 13-17 years old at juvenile correction and rehabilitation center in Tehran city. The final sample consisted of 24 male high school students in the juvenile correction and rehabilitation center who were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups (n=12) and the training sessions were held for the experimental group for 8 sessions (once every 2 hours per week). The measures were the Inventory of Statements about Self-injury by Klonski & Glenn (2009) and Questionnaire of Risk Factors and Protective Factors against Substance Use. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used to analyze the data.

The results showed that mindfulness-based training program reduced self-injurious behaviors in the experimental group and also it reduced substance use attitude, feeling of depression and sensation seeking. There was a significant increase in the dignity and self-control in the experimental group (p <0.001).

Based on the results, it is recommended that the mindfulness-based principles and concepts which in fact were confirmed its impact on Iranian society, can be used for counselors and have been analyzed, interpreted in specialized workgroups and empowerment sessions to learn how they can be used to help adolescents at juvenile correction and rehabilitation center.