A Comparison of the Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Self-Compassion on Metacognitive Beliefs in Individuals with Substance Dependence Receiving Methadone Maintenance Treatment

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Ph.D. Student, Department of Clinical Psychology, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran.

2 Associate Professor, Department of Clinical Psychology, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran.

Abstract

Background: Metacognitive beliefs are pose a significant challenge in addiction treatment. Effective therapeutic interventions have the potential to significantly reduce these beliefs. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy and Self-Compassion-Based Mindfulness Therapy on metacognitive beliefs in individuals with substance dependence undergoing Methadone Maintenance Treatment.
Method:This quasi-experimental study employed a pretest–posttest design with a control group and a three-month follow-up. The statistical population included individuals with substance dependence receiving Methadone Maintenance Treatment at addiction treatment centers in Shahrood city in 2024. A total of 48 participants were selected via purposive sampling and randomly assigned to three groups of 16: two experimental groups and one control group. Data were collected using the Metacognitions Questionnaire (Wells & Cartwright-Hatton, 2004). The first experimental group received Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy and the second Self-Compassion-Based Mindfulness Therapy, each delivered in eight weekly 90-minute sessions. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests via SPSS26.
Results: Both interventions led to significant improvements in metacognitive beliefs at the posttest and follow-up stages (p < 0.05). Additionally, Self-Compassion-Based Mindfulness Therapy demonstrated significantly greater efficacy compared to Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in reducing metacognitive beliefs (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: The findings indicate that both Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy and Self-Compassion-Based Mindfulness Therapy are effective in improving metacognitive beliefs among individuals with substance dependence undergoing Methadone Maintenance Treatment. Notably, Self-Compassion-Based Mindfulness Therapy showed superior outcomes and may serve as a promising therapeutic approach for addressing psychological vulnerabilities in this population.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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History

  • Receive Date: 09 March 2025
  • Revise Date: 11 July 2025
  • Accept Date: 10 June 2025

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