Mindfulness and Readiness to Change in Individuals with Substance Abuse: The Mediating Role of Self-Compassion and Striving to Compensate for Inferiority.

Background: Motivation and readiness to change are critical first steps in preventing relapse into substance dependence. Therefore, examining their antecedents is essential for effective therapeutic interventions. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between self-compassion, mindfulness, striving to compensate for inferiority, and readiness to change in individuals with substance abuse.

Methods: A cross-sectional correlational study design using structural equation modeling was employed. A total of 305 individuals with substance abuse, referred to outpatient rehabilitation centers in Ardakan City, Iran, were selected using a purposive sampling method. Data were collected using the Freiburg Mindfulness Questionnaire, the Striving to Avoid Inferiority Scale, the Self-Compassion Scale, and the Readiness to Change Scale. Data were then analyzed using correlation analysis and structural equation modeling.

Results: Self-compassion exhibited a significant direct effect on striving to compensate for inferiority and readiness to change (p < 0.01). Additionally, striving to compensate for inferiority had a significant direct effect on readiness to change, while mindfulness showed a significant direct effect on self-compassion, readiness to change, and striving to compensate for inferiority (p < 0.01). Self-compassion mediated the relationship between mindfulness and readiness to change while striving to compensate for inferiority played a significant mediating role in the relationship between self-compassion, mindfulness, and readiness to change (p < 0.01).

Conclusion: These findings suggest that enhancing self-compassion, mindfulness, and striving to compensate for inferiority can significantly contribute to increasing readiness to change in individuals struggling with substance abuse.