The Estimation of Addiction Tendency Model Based on Personality Factors (NEO) Via Mental Health Mediator Variable

Abstract The abuse of drugs and other illegal substances by adolescents and youth is among the most important public health and mental-social challenges which imposes numerous personal, social, economic, and hygienic problems on the societies. Due to the young population texture of Iran, drug abuse has involved its special complexity. Therefore, its explanation and identification would be necessary for the development of suitable solutions and interventions. This research has a correlational nature which benefits from “causal modeling” method. Using multi-stage cluster sampling method, 588 students were chosen as subjects. The main research tools included Dehkordi`s addiction tendency questionnaire, mental health questionnaire (GHQ), and Personality Main Five Factor questionnaire (NEO). Data were analyzed based on Structured Equation Modeling (SEM) and Amos 2.0 software. The direct and indirect effects of Five Personality Factors on addiction tendency were studied and it was noted that mental health factor was the most influential variable (β = 0.38). The next influential variables are as follows: Neuroticism (β = 0.20), Extraversion (β = 0.13) and Deontology (β = 0.13), Appetence for new experiences (β = 0.05). Discussion and The characteristics of Five Personality Factors and psychological health provide a clear prediction of addiction tendency augmenter and depressor factors.