The effect of internalized stigma management through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Program on depression among prisoners with methamphetamine dependence
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Internalized stigma among prisoners with methamphetamine dependence is a significant mental health problem because it contributes substantially to depression and may lead to other adverse health outcomes.
OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of the internalized stigma management program through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) among prisoners with methamphetamine dependence and depression.
METHODS: A randomized experimental study with a two-groups and repeated-measures design was conducted among 60 prisoners with methamphetamine dependence. The intervention and data collection in the experimental group were conducted between October 27 and December 29, 2025. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze demographic characteristics. Differences in mean depression scores at baseline, 2 weeks post-intervention, and 1-month follow-up were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. Bonferroni post hoc tests were used to compare mean depression scores between time points. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.
RESULTS: 1) In the experimental group, the mean depression scores at 2 weeks post-intervention and at the 1-month follow-up were significantly lower than those at baseline (both p<0.001). Similarly, in the control group, the mean depression scores at 2 weeks post-intervention and at the 1-month follow-up were significantly lower than those at baseline (both p<0.001). 2) At baseline, the mean depression scores did not differ significantly between the experimental and control groups (p=0.720). However, at 2 weeks post-intervention and at the 1-month follow-up, the experimental group had significantly lower mean depression scores than the control group (both p<0.001). 3) A statistically significant group-by-time interaction effect was observed for depression scores.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: The internalized stigma management program through ACT was effective in reducing depression among prisoners with methamphetamine dependence. Therefore, this program should be implemented as a nursing intervention to improve the effectiveness of care for this population.
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