The Relationship between Primary Maladaptive Schemas, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder,and Emotion Control with Relapse Mediated by Sensation Seeking in Self-Identified Addicts

Among the factors related to addiction are psychological and social factors, which have awide field of studies related to addiction. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between primary maladaptive schemas, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and emotion control with addiction relapse Mediated by Sensation Seeking in Self-Identified Addicts.

This descriptive and correlational structural equation model study was conducted with the participation of 278 self-reported drug addicts who were quitting, referring to substance abuse treatment centers in Tonekabon and Abbas-Abad counties in 2020. Sampling was selected using available sampling method and data was collected using questionnaires on addiction relapse, emotion control, primary maladaptive schemas, obsessive-compulsive and sensation seeking. Data analysis was done using the structural equation modelling method and Lisrel 8.80 software.

The mean (SD) age of the participants was 44.8 (11.5). The coefficient of the direct path between obsessive thoughts and addiction relapse (β=0.34, P<0.001), primary maladaptive schemas and addiction relapse (β=0.37, P<0.001) and emotional control and addiction relapse (β=0.43, P<0.001) was positive and significant. The path coefficient between obsession thoughts and addiction relapse was mediated by sensation seeking (β=0.49, P<0.001), primary maladaptive schemas maladjustment and addiction relapse by the mediation of sense seeking (β=0.55, P<0.001) and emotional control and addiction relapse with the mediation of sensation seeking (β=0.52, P<0.001) were positive and significant.

The study showed that the relationship between primary maladaptive schemas, obsessions, and emotion control with addiction relapse by mediated sensation seeking in self-reported addicts has a good fit, and sensation seeking has a mediating role in the relationship between primary maladaptive schemas and obsessions, and control of emotions with the relapse of addiction.