Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the reality therapy approach in improving social competence and quality of work life among individuals dependent on substances. Methods and Materials: The present study utilized a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group format. The statistical population included all individuals in Tehran with opioid and opioid-derivative dependence who had sought treatment at addiction rehabilitation centers. A total of 30 participants were selected through simple random sampling and assigned to either an experimental group (n = 15) or a control group (n = 15). Inclusion criteria for the sample consisted of scoring below the cutoff point on the Social Competence Questionnaire (scores below 100) and the Work Life Quality Questionnaire (scores below 90), male gender, and no history of severe psychological disorders. Data were collected using the Felner Social Competence Scale (1990) and Walton’s Quality of Work Life Questionnaire (QWL). The reality therapy protocol (8 sessions of 90 minutes) was implemented for the experimental group, while the control group received no intervention. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Findings: The results of data analysis indicated that the reality therapy approach had a significant effect on improving social competence in individuals with substance dependence (sig = .013; F ≥ 14.44). Furthermore, the reality therapy approach had a significant effect on enhancing the quality of work life in individuals addicted to opioids and their derivatives. Conclusion: It appears that low social competence and poor quality of work life may act as underlying and maintaining factors of addiction. Therefore, emphasis should be placed on improving quality of work life and enhancing social competence through appropriate educational and intervention-based approaches.
Seyyed Ali Hoseini Almadani (Mon,) studied this question.