The Effectiveness of Interpersonal Psychotherapy on Self-Control and Self-Expression of Female Students with Self-Harming Behaviors

The aim of this research was to investigate the effectiveness of interpersonal psychotherapy on self-control and self-expression of female students with self-harming behaviors referred to the counseling center of area 3 of Ahvaz city. In this research, four students were selected by the voluntary-purposive sampling method and based on the entry and exit criteria. The design of the experimental research was a single case of the multiple baseline type. Interpersonal psychotherapy was taught to the students in ten sessions, and they responded to the self-control scale (Tanjani, 2004) and the self-report self-expression questionnaire (Herzberger et al., 1984) in three stages of the baseline, during the training and the two-month follow-up. The data were analyzed by visual drawing method, Reliable Change Index (RCI), and recovery rate formula. The findings showed that interpersonal psychotherapy training increased, in general’s students, self-control (37.96%) and self-expression (51.04%) during training and Follow-up Stages. These were maintained percentages in follow-up stage. The RCI should meaningful change and increase in student’s self-control and self- expression during training and follow-up stages. Based on the findings of the research, it can be concluded that therapists can use interpersonal psychotherapy as an effective approach to reduce self-harming behaviors in students.