The Role of Family Emotional Atmosphere, Sense of Coherence, and Affects in the Prediction of Tendency Toward Substance Use Among University Students

Tendency toward substance use is influenced by a range of individual, familial, and social factors. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between family emotional atmosphere, sense of coherence, and affects with tendency toward substance use among university students. In this descriptive-correlative study, a total of 400 students (311 males and 89 females) were selected using multistage cluster sampling method from Shahid Beheshti Teacher Training University, Mashhad, Iran. Then they completed measures of parental-child interaction rating scale, sense of coherence scale, positive and negative affect scale, and tendency toward addiction scale. Data analysis was conducted using Pearson correlation and backward multiple regression. There were significant and negative relationships between subscales of family emotional atmosphere, sense of coherence, and positive affects with tendency toward substance use among students (P˂0.01). Moreover, negative affects were positively correlated with tendency toward substance use (r=0.48; P<0.01). Regression analysis also indicated that a positive family emotional atmosphere and sense of coherence were significant negative predictors of tendency toward substance use whereas negative affects were significant positive predictors. However, the role of positive affects in the prediction of tendency toward substance use was not significant. Addressing family problems, developing the sense of individual coherence, and instructing strategies to regulate negative emotions in prevention and intervention programs may help reduce tendency toward substance use among university students.