Cognitive behavior therapy for low self esteem randomized controlled trial in a psychiatric hospital in Gaza Strip

ABSTRACT

Background

Focusing on improving the self-esteem of substance users through the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) program is an important factor in addiction treatment.

Objectives

The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of CBT in improving self-esteem among patients with Substance use disorders (SUDs) in the Gaza Strip.

Methods

The experimental design was used, 30 male Participants were divided randomly into two groups: experimental and control (n = 15) per group. Both groups received the standard treatment, while only the experimental group underwent the CBT program consisting of (16) sessions over 2 months. All of the subjects completed a self-esteem questionnaire before and after the intervention, and 2 months later (follow-up).

Results

a statistically significant difference between the two groups in favor of the experimental group in the level of self-esteem was found. There are statistically significant differences between the mean scores of the experimental group regarding the post and follow-up measurements on the self-esteem scale after 2 months, p < 0.05 in self-esteem in posttest and follow-up measurement.

Conclusions

The study concludes that CBT sessions have been effective and successful in improving self-esteem among patients with SUD.

KEYWORDS:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• self esteem
• substance use disorders

Acknowledgments

Special thanks to the mental health staff in the Al Amal department for Addiction Treatment for their cooperation with us to complete this study.

Disclosure statement

No financial interest or any conflict of interest exists.