The Effectiveness of Matrix Therapy on Suicidal Tendency and Psychological Dimensions of Sexual Problems in Substance Abusers

Background and Objectives: Studies have shown to some extent the effectiveness of matrix therapy in reducing the severity of addiction and psychological consequences in general. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of matrix therapy on suicidal tendency and the psychological dimensions of sexual problems in substance abusers. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental pretest and posttest study with a control group, in which patients with substance abuse in Iran Psychiatric Hospital were divided into control and experimental groups in 2022. A follow-up period was also performed after one month. Fifty hospitalized patients were selected by convenience sampling method. Data collection tools were Beck's (1988) suicidal tendency scale and Snell, Fisher, and Walters's (1993) multidimensional sexuality questionnaire (MSQ). The experimental group received matrix treatment. Data analysis was performed by multivariate analysis of covariance in SPSS software v23.    Results: Matrix therapy has a significant effect on suicidal tendencies and psychological dimensions of sexual problems in substance abusers (P = 0.001), and the results did not return in the follow-up phase. Conclusion: Matrix therapy decreased the suicidal tendency and improved the sexual status of substance abusers. This method can be used to improve the psychological problems of these special groups.