The Effectiveness of Compassion-focused Therapy on Risky Behaviors and Self-injurious Behaviors in Women with a History of Substance Abuse

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of compassion-focused therapy in reducing high-risk behaviors and self-injurious behaviors in women with a history of substance abuse. The statistical population comprised women with a history of drug abuse who had sought treatment at addiction treatment centers in Mashhad. A total of 30 women were selected using the convenience sampling method and subsequently replaced in the experimental and control groups. Research instruments included the Iranian Adolescents Risk-Taking Scale (IARS) and the Inventory of Statements About Self-injury (ISAS). Data were analyzed using multivariate covariance. The results showed that compassion-focused treatment had a significant effect on reducing risky behaviors and self-injurious behaviors (P<0.05). Compassion-focused treatment appears to be effective in reducing high-risk and harmful behaviours in women with a history of substance abuse. It is suggested that therapists and counsellors make use of this intervention.