Zahra Keshtkar - Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad,
Mahsa Nabavi - Department of Psychology and Counseling, Faculty of Sciences, Neyshabur Branch, Islamic Azad University,
Mustafa Bolghan-Abadi - Department of Counseling, Young Researcher and Elite Club, Neyshabur Branch,Islamic Azad University, Neyshabur, Iran

Context: The previous studies have shown the commitment of most crimes and offensive behaviors are the root of psychological disorders.Aims: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness integrated group therapy in increasing the male prisoners’ self‑esteem of central prison of Mashhad. Settings and Design: Statistical population included all the male prisoners of the central prison of Mashhad who were addicted to drugs. A sample from these prisoners was selected randomly and was assigned in experimental and control groups (12 participants in each group). Subjects and Methods: The research method of this study was semi‑experimental with pretest/posttest/ follow‑up and control group design. Weekly group sessions were holding which last for 2 h during 1½ months. For gathering the data demographic and Coopersmith’s self‑esteem questionnaire were used. Statistical Analysis Used: For analyzing the data, ANCOVA test was used. Results: Findings show that those who had received the intervention expressed high level of self‑esteem to those who had not received it (control group participants). Conclusions: It could be concluded that the group therapy by the integrated approach has effective influence on increasing the male prisoner’s self‑esteem of central prison of Mashhad

Group psychotherapy, men, prisoners, self‑esteem