Effectiveness of Positive Thinking Skills Training on the Hope and Quality of Life of Drug-Dependent People

Addict Health. 2017 Jul;9(3):120-128.

Abstract

Background: The increase of hope and quality of life (QOL) can play a significant role in improving the mental health of drug addicts. Accordingly, the present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of positive thinking skills training on hope and QOL of drug-dependent people.

Methods: The present study is a quasi-experimental research with pre- and post-test design with the control group. The study population consisted of all men dependent on drugs who visited addiction treatment centers in Tehran, Iran, in 2016. Thirty subjects were selected using cluster sampling and were randomly assigned to control and experimental groups. The results were analyzed using SPSS.

Findings: The mean scores of pre-test and post-test for hope were 31.67 ± 6.47 and 49.68 ± 10.69, for physical fitness were 17.01 ± 4.21 and 22.84 ± 4.98, for psychological health were 15.36 ± 3.45 and 20.98 ± 3.32, for social relations were 7.80 ± 2.34 and 10.96 ± 2.64, and for environmental health were 20.47 ± 4.36 and 27.50 ± 4.80, respectively, in experimental group (P < 0.050).

Conclusion: It is recommended that addiction treatment centers teach positive thinking skills to drug-dependent people in order to increase their hope and QOL.

Keywords: Drugs; Hope; Positive; Quality of life.