The effectiveness of reality therapy on social competence and quality of work life of substance-dependent individuals

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the reality therapy approach on improving social competence and quality of work life of drug-dependent individuals. Method: The present study design was a semi-experimental one with a pre-test-post-test design with a control group. The statistical population of the present study included all drug-dependent individuals in Tehran who were addicted to opium and its derivatives and had referred to addiction treatment centers to quit. 30 individuals were selected by simple random sampling method and assigned to an experimental group (15 people) and a control group (15 people). The inclusion criteria for these individuals as sample group individuals included obtaining a score below the cut-off point in the social competence questionnaire (below 100) and quality of work life (below 90), male gender, and no history of severe psychological disorders. The Felner Social Competence Scale (1990) and Walton Quality of Work Life Questionnaire (QWL) were used to collect data. Then, the reality therapy protocol (8 90-minute sessions) was implemented for the experimental group (15 people), but the control group did not receive any intervention. The data were analyzed using analysis of covariance. Findings: The results of data analysis showed that the reality therapy approach has a significant effect on improving the social competence of drug-dependent individuals (sig = 0.013; F = 14.44). The reality therapy approach also has a significant effect on improving the quality of work life of drug-dependent individuals (addiction to opium and its derivatives). Conclusion: It seems that low social competence and inadequate quality of work life can be factors that predispose and maintain addiction; therefore, emphasis is placed on increasing the quality of work life and promoting social competence through appropriate educational and intervention approaches.