Volume 12, Issue 2 (June 2025)
Avicenna J Neuro Psycho Physiology 2025, 12(2): 0-0 |
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Ethics code: IR.IAU.AHVAZ.REC.1404.052
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Yazdanipour M, Kazemian Moghaddam K, Shahbazi M. The Effectiveness of Emotion-Focused Therapy and Compassion-Focused Therapy on Loneliness and Cognitive Flexibility in Women with Substance Use Disorder. Avicenna J Neuro Psycho Physiology 2025; 12 (2)
URL: http://ajnpp.umsha.ac.ir/article-1-530-en.html
URL: http://ajnpp.umsha.ac.ir/article-1-530-en.html
1- Department of Counseling, Ahv.C., Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran
2- Department of Psychology, Dez.C., Islamic Azad University, Dezful, Iran ,kkazemianmoghaddam@gmail.com
3- Department of Counseling, MaS.C., Islamic Azad University, Masjed Soleiman, Iran
2- Department of Psychology, Dez.C., Islamic Azad University, Dezful, Iran ,
3- Department of Counseling, MaS.C., Islamic Azad University, Masjed Soleiman, Iran
Abstract: (21 Views)
Background and Objective: Women with substance use disorder (SUD) often face considerable psychosocial difficulties, notably intense feelings of loneliness and deficits in cognitive flexibility, both of which can impede their progress toward recovery. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) in ameliorating these critical challenges in women with SUD.
Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2023 among women undergoing treatment for SUD in Ahvaz, Iran. A total of 45 eligible participants were recruited using convenience sampling and then randomly assigned to one of three groups: EFT, CFT, or a control group, with 15 participants in each. The experimental groups received eight weekly, 90-minute therapy sessions specific to their respective modalities. In contrast, the control group received standard treatment as usual. Data on loneliness and cognitive flexibility were collected at baseline, post-intervention, and at a three-month follow-up using validated instruments. Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance was the primary statistical method employed for data analysis.
Results: The results revealed statistically significant improvements in both loneliness and cognitive flexibility within the EFT and CFT groups compared to the control group (P<0.001). These therapeutic benefits were robust and maintained at the three-month follow-up assessment. No significant differences in efficacy were observed between the EFT and CFT interventions.
Conclusion: This study concludes that both EFT and CFT are effective in reducing loneliness and enhancing cognitive flexibility in women with SUD. Their sustained positive impact suggests that integrating these therapeutic approaches into comprehensive addiction treatment can promote improved coping mechanisms and facilitate lasting recovery.
Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2023 among women undergoing treatment for SUD in Ahvaz, Iran. A total of 45 eligible participants were recruited using convenience sampling and then randomly assigned to one of three groups: EFT, CFT, or a control group, with 15 participants in each. The experimental groups received eight weekly, 90-minute therapy sessions specific to their respective modalities. In contrast, the control group received standard treatment as usual. Data on loneliness and cognitive flexibility were collected at baseline, post-intervention, and at a three-month follow-up using validated instruments. Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance was the primary statistical method employed for data analysis.
Results: The results revealed statistically significant improvements in both loneliness and cognitive flexibility within the EFT and CFT groups compared to the control group (P<0.001). These therapeutic benefits were robust and maintained at the three-month follow-up assessment. No significant differences in efficacy were observed between the EFT and CFT interventions.
Conclusion: This study concludes that both EFT and CFT are effective in reducing loneliness and enhancing cognitive flexibility in women with SUD. Their sustained positive impact suggests that integrating these therapeutic approaches into comprehensive addiction treatment can promote improved coping mechanisms and facilitate lasting recovery.
Keywords: Emotion-focused therapy, Compassion-focused therapy, Loneliness, Cognitive flexibility, Substance use disorders
Article Type: Research Article |
Subject:
Substance abuse, dependence, addiction
Received: 2025/07/14 | Accepted: 2025/08/10 | Published: 2025/06/20
Received: 2025/07/14 | Accepted: 2025/08/10 | Published: 2025/06/20
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