The Effectiveness of Cognitive Therapy Based on Compassionate Mind on Dark Personality Traits and Theory of Mind of Adolescents with High-Risk Behaviors

Document Type : Original Article (s)

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology and Counseling, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Department of Educational Sciences, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran

3 Assistant Professor, Department of Educational Sciences, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Background: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of cognitive therapy focused on the compassionate mind on the dark personality traits and theory of mind of adolescents with high-risk behaviors.
Methods: In this quasi-experimental study with a pre-test-post-test design, 30 male high school students with high-risk behaviors in Tabriz city were selected through targeted screening in the 2020-2021 academic year and randomly assigned to two experimental and control groups. Data were collected using the High-Risk Behaviors Questionnaire, the Dark Personality Traits Scale, and the Theory of Mind Questionnaire. The data were analyzed using the statistical method of multivariate analysis of variance.
Findings: The results showed that cognitive therapy based on a compassionate mind had an effect on Machiavellianism (P < 0.001), narcissism (P < 0.001), antisocial behavior (P < 0.001), and theory of mind (P < 0.001). In other words, cognitive therapy based on a compassionate mind was associated with a decrease in dark personality traits and an improvement in theory of mind in adolescents with high-risk behaviors.
Conclusion: Based on the findings of this research, it can be concluded that cognitive therapy based on a compassionate mind can be used as an effective treatment to improve psychological problems and enhance the theory of mind in adolescents with high-risk behaviors.

Highlights

Hamidreza Dehghan: Google Scholar

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References

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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 43, Issue 829
1st Week, November
November and December 2025
Pages 1066-1075

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History

  • Receive Date: 10 September 2024
  • Accept Date: 25 October 2025

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