Comparing the effectiveness of compassion-based therapy and reality therapy on psychological coherence, self-sabotage, and fatigue in drug abusers

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of compassion-based therapy and reality therapy on psychological coherence, self-destruction, and fatigue in drug users.

The present study was semi experimental in terms of its purpose, application, and research method. It utilized a pre-test, post-test, and follow-up design with a control group. Among the addicts referred to the Pariz addiction treatment center in Tehran in 1400, 45 individuals were randomly selected through a lottery and assigned to two experimental groups and one control group. The first experimental group received 8 sessions of reality therapy combined with compassion-based therapy, while the second experimental group received 8 sessions of reality therapy alone. Data collection involved the use of Antonoski's Psychological Coherence Scale (1993) in its short form, Sanson et al.'s Self-Destruction Questionnaire (1998), and Smets et al.'s Fatigue Questionnaire (1996). Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 24 software and repeated measurements analysis of variance (ANOVA).

The results of the research demonstrated that both compassion-based therapy and reality therapy significantly contributed to the improvement of psychological coherence, reduction of self-destruction behaviors, and alleviation of fatigue in substance abusers. In other words, individuals who participated in either compassion-based therapy or reality therapy experienced increased psychological coherence and decreased tendencies towards self-harm and fatigue. However, no significant difference was found between the two therapy groups in terms of their impact on the studied variables.

Based on the research findings, it is recommended that clinical psychologists and psychotherapists consider utilizing reality therapy as an effective approach to enhance psychological coherence and mitigate self-destruction behaviors and fatigue in individuals struggling with substance abuse. Implementing reality therapy in therapeutic interventions can be valuable in promoting positive outcomes and overall well-being among these individuals.