Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment-Based Therapy on Self-Compassion and Self-worth in the Children of Self-Reported Drug Addicts

Addiction as one of the most complex social phenomena in different human societies is on the rise despite the increase of knowledge and awareness about it. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment-based therapy on self-compassion and self-worth in the children of self-reported drug addicts in the Hashtgerd addiction treatment center, Hashtgerd, Iran.

The statistical population of this semi-experimental study included 50 children of patients who were referred to the addiction treatment center. In total, 20 out of these 50 individuals were selected through the convenience sampling method and divided into two experimental (n=10) and control (n=10) groups. The research tools consisted of Crocker’s self-worth scale (CSWS) as well as the Neff Self-Compassion Scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 22) and analysis of covariance.

The results showed that acceptance and commitment-based therapy had a positive effect on increasing self-compassion in the children of drug addicts. Considering the Eta square, it can be said that 85.7% of these changes were due to the effect of acceptance and commitment-based therapy (intervention) on the self-esteem of children of drug addicts (P≤0.001).

Based on the obtained results, acceptance and commitment-based therapy had a positive effect on the individual’s self-compassion and self-esteem. Due to the effect of addiction on the family and children of people with addiction, there is a need for specialized treatment. Therefore, according to the nature of acceptance and commitment-based therapy, this treatment method can be used to improve the condition of children of drug addicts.