Document Type : Original Article
Researchers
1 M.A. student in career counseling, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Allameh Tabatabaei University, Tehran, Iran.
2 Associate Professor, Department of Counseling Faculty of Psycholog and Educational Sciences, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran.
3 Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
4 Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran.
Ministerial Ethics Committee
Title and Introduction:
This study compares the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) on emotion regulation and quality of life in individuals undergoing Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT). Individuals on MMT face emotion regulation challenges (e.g., anxiety, depression, impulsivity) due to substance use, withdrawal symptoms, and psychosocial stressors, which complicate recovery. MBCT enhances non-judgmental awareness and corrects maladaptive thought patterns, while IPSRT stabilizes daily rhythms and improves interpersonal relationships. Reduced quality of life due to substance use and social challenges underscores the need for effective interventions. The lack of comparative studies on MBCT and IPSRT in this population highlights the necessity of this research to optimize therapeutic approaches.
Objectives and Hypotheses:
Main objectives: Compare MBCT and IPSRT’s effectiveness on emotion regulation and quality of life in MMT patients. Secondary objectives: Assess changes in these variables across pre-test, post-test, and two-month follow-up, and evaluate treatment effect stability. Hypotheses: MBCT and IPSRT will yield greater improvements in emotion regulation and quality of life compared to the control group, with sustained effects.
Methodology:
A quasi-experimental study with pre-test, post-test, and two-month follow-up on 45 MMT patients at Khorramabad University of Medical Sciences clinic. Participants are randomly assigned to three groups (MBCT, IPSRT, control; 15 each). Tools: DERS-SF (emotion regulation) and SF-36 (quality of life). Interventions involve 10 weekly 45-minute sessions. Data analysis uses SPSS v26 with ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests.
Ethical Considerations:
Informed written consent, data confidentiality, screening to exclude severe psychiatric disorders, and voluntary withdrawal option are ensured. Non-invasive interventions are supervised by experts to minimize harm.