Effectiveness of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) on Self-Control and Impulsivity in Male Prisoners

Mehdi Shomali Ahmadabadi; Yaser Rezapour Mirsaleh; Zahra Yousefi

doi:10.18502/ijps.v19i2.15104

Mehdi Shomali Ahmadabadi Department of Psychology, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran.
Yaser Rezapour Mirsaleh Department of Counseling, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Ardakan University, Ardakan, Iran.
Zahra Yousefi Department of Psychology, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijps.v19i2.15104

Keywords: Impulsivity; Prisoners; Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT); Self- Control

Abstract

Objective: Consequences of imprisonment include negative psychological effects, social stigma, and challenges for reintegrating into society. In this regard, this study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) on self-control and impulsivity among male prisoners.

Method: A randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT) utilizing a design the included pretest, post-test, and follow-up assessment as well as a waiting-list control group was conducted. A total of 30 male prisoners were selected using convenience sampling and randomly assigned to experimental and waiting list control groups (the intervention group (n = 15) and the control group (n = 15)). The participants in the experimental group underwent the 12-session REBT intervention over a period of six weeks. (For six weeks). All participants responded to the Self- Control Scale (SCS) and Dysfunctional Impulsivity Questionnaire (DFIQ) as dependent variables at three time points (pretest, post-test, and one-month follow-up). A repeated measures analysis of variance was used to analyze the data.

Results: The results revealed that after the implementation of the REBT intervention, the mean scores of self-control increased (P < 0.05), while the mean scores of impulsivity diminished significantly (P < 0.05). Furthermore, these changes remained relatively stable during the follow-up period (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, it can be inferred that REBT intervention plays a significant role in diminishing self-control deficits and mitigating impulsivity among incarcerated individuals. These results present promising implications for the utilization of REBT in lowering recidivism rates.