The Role of Voluntary Function in Predicting Addiction Potential: A Survey on Iranian Red Crescent Societies

Considering Voluntary Function, the purpose of the present study was to predictthe addiction potential among some members of the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS).

The research method was descriptive-correlational. The statistical population of the present study was all members of the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS). The sampling method was multi-stage cluster sampling, in which 620 active volunteers of the IRCS from 31 province and 175 cities of Iran (48.7% female and 50.1 Male mean age 23.27±3.32, range 14–31 years)were selected for this research.The research data was collected using theIranian Addiction Potential Scale (IAPS) and Voluntary Function Inventory (VFI).

Findings proved that there was a negative significant correlation between the AP and all measurements of VF such as protective enhancement, understanding, career, values, and motives; meaning that the more time youth spent on participating in voluntary activities, the less likely they sought to resort to misusing AP. Findings of the multiple regression has proved that volunteerism could predict 15% of changes in the AP as a criterion variable.

Voluntary function can increase happiness, mental health, expand interpersonal relationships and social networking, self-esteem and social skills in individuals. These skills can reduce the high-risk behaviors, including addiction. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to this valuable factors in preventive programs.