Comparison Social Rejection, Sense of Coherence, and Risk Perception in the Groups of Substances Abusers, Smoker, Hookah, and Normal Individuals

The aim of this study was the comparison between groups of substance abuser, smoker, hookah, and normal individuals based on social rejection, sense of coherence, and risk perception. This study was a causal-comparative method. The statistical population included substances abusers, smokers, hookahs, and normal individuals from Ardabil city. By using multi-stage cluster random sampling, 30 participants were assigned to each group. The cognitive assessment of high-risk events questionnaire, sense of coherence scale, and social peer rejection scale were used for collecting data. The results showed that the mean values for the danger of using drugs, aggressive behavior, alcohol drinking, job and academic risk behaviors were smaller for the normal individual group compare with other groups. However, the mean values for the scales of understandability and controllability were greater for the normal individual group compare with other groups. The results also showed that the mean values for the scales of insulting, ignoring, slander and accusations were smaller for the normal individual group in comparison with other groups. Social rejection, feeling of affinity, and risk perception play important roles to the tendency towards using drugs, cigarettes, and tobaccos. Therefore, it is necessary to consider and emphasize psychological characteristics in the education, prevention and treatment programs in order to enhance the treatment of addiction.