Comparison of the effectiveness of problem-solving skills training and self-talk training on mental health and sensitivity to rejection in individuals with substance abuse dependence

The aim of this research was to compare the effectiveness of problem-solving skills training with self-talk training on mental health and rejection sensitivity in individuals dependent on substance abuse.

The current study employed a quasi-experimental design with pre-test, post-test, and follow-up assessments, using a control group. Among all 470 individuals seeking treatment for opioid use disorder at Nasim Rahaii Treatment Center in 2022, 60 participants were conveniently selected and randomly assigned to three groups of 20 individuals. The research instruments included the standard Mental Health Questionnaire (Keyes, 2002) and the Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire (Feldman, 1996). The first experimental group received 8 sessions of problem-solving skills training, the second experimental group received 10 sessions of self-talk training, and the control group did not receive any intervention. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance.

The findings indicated that both training methods had a significant effect on reducing rejection sensitivity and improving mental health in individuals with opioid use disorder. Additionally, the follow-up analysis using Bonferroni test showed that problem-solving skills training was more effective than self-talk training in reducing rejection sensitivity. However, no significant difference was observed between the two methods in terms of their impact on mental health.

Consequently, addiction specialists and therapists can incorporate these training approaches alongside pharmacotherapy and other conventional methods to enhance psychological functioning and prevent relapse in individuals with substance dependence.