The effect of cognitive-behavioral therapy on self-esteem, mental health and procrastination in adolescent children of mothers recovering from substance abuse
Journal of Behdasht dar Arseh (i.e., Health in the Field),
Vol. 13 No. 2 (1404),
4 January 2026
,
Page 33-43
https://doi.org/10.22037/jhf.v13i2.49633
Abstract
Background and Aims: Parental substance use disorder, particularly among mothers, poses serious psychological and behavioral risks to children. This study examined the effectiveness of cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT) on self-esteem, mental health, and procrastination among adolescent children of mothers in recovery from substance abuse.
Materials and Methods: This study employed a quasi-experimental pretest–posttest design. Sixty adolescents (aged 15–18 years) with parents recovered from substance abuse were conveniently selected from two active addiction rehabilitation centers in Sari and then randomly assigned equally to the intervention and control groups. The intervention consisted of eight 90-minute CBT sessions covering skills such as identifying and modifying negative self-talk, correcting cognitive distortions, and strengthening problem-solving and effective communication skills. Descriptive statistics and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were performed using SPSS26 at a significance level of (P < 0.05) to compare the groups. Ethical considerations were observed throughout all stages of the study.
Results: The results showed that, compared with the control group, self-esteem significantly increased in the intervention group (η² = 0.782, P < 0.001), mental health improved markedly (η² = 0.473, P < 0.001), and procrastination significantly decreased (η² = 0.451, P< 0.001).
Conclusion: Cognitive–behavioral therapy markedly enhances adolescents’ self-esteem and mental health while reducing procrastination. This approach can be used as an effective intervention in family-based prevention and rehabilitation programs.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Self-esteem
- Mental health
- Procrastination
- Adolescents
- Mothers
- Substance abuse
How to Cite
References
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