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

Abstract

Background: Substance use disorders (SUDs) are a serious threat to health and society; 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 SUBs 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). The required data were collected and analyzed. 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 < .05 in self-esteem in posttest and follow-up measurement. Results indicated that CBT was effective in improving self-esteem among patients with SUDs. Conclusions: The study concludes that CBT sessions have been effective and successful in improving self-esteem among patients with SUD.