The Effectiveness of Cognitive Empowerment of Mental Conditions in the Recognition of Facial Expression of Emotions in Addicts

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of cognitive empowerment of mental states in the recognition of facial expression of emotions in substance dependent individuals. Method: The present study employed a quasi-experimental design with pretest/posttest design and control group. A total of 30 addicts within the same age range, education level, and employment status were selected and were randomly assigned to two groups, an experimental one and a control one (n =15). Participants responded to Benton Facial Recognition Test (BFRT) in the pre-test and post-test. The experimental group underwent TERME intervention (Training for Enhancement of Reading Mind from Eyes), but the control group did not receive any intervention. Results: The results of covariance analysis indicated that cognitive empowerment (TERME) is effective in the recognition of facial expressions in addicted people. In fact, the TERME program has improved the facial expression of emotions in drug-dependent people. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, TERME program can be applied to enhance the facial expression of emotions in substance-dependent individuals.