Mindfulness-Based Therapy on Cognitive Distortions and Self-Control in Teens Receiving Substance Dependence Treatment

Drug use disorders and their adverse effects are among the most important public health problems worldwide. Cognitive distortions and problems in self-control are the problems people are leaving. The current study assessed the effectiveness of mindfulness–based therapy on cognitive distortions and self–control in teens under substance dependence treatment. 

This was a quasi–experimental study with a pretest–posttest and a control group design. Our study sample included all teens undergoing substance dependence treatment in Isfahan City, Iran, in 2017. We used convenience sampling method to select the study participants from substance dependence treatment centers in Isfahan (Yaghot center). Next, we randomly selected 30 individuals who met the inclusion criteria of the study. Accordingly, they were randomly assigned in the test and control groups. After conducting the pretest in both groups, the test group received eight 90–minute weekly sessions of mindfulness–based therapy. However, the control group remained in the waiting list to receive the intervention. Then, the study groups were examined at posttest and follow–up stages. The Cognitive Distortion Questionnaire by Ellisand, and the 36–item Self–Control Questionnaire by Tanji (2004) were used for data collection. The collected data were analyzed by Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). 

The present study results suggested that mindfulness–based therapy could reduce cognitive distortion and increase self–control in the studied subjects (p<0.001).

According to the obtained data, professionals of this field could be encouraged to implement mindfulness–based therapy to improve patients’ conditions.