The model for explaining the addiction attitude of clients who are quitting based on emotion regulation strategies and attachment styles with the mediating role of ego capacity

The present study aimed to determine a model for explaining the attitude towards addiction in clients undergoing withdrawal, based on emotion regulationstrategies and attachment styles with the mediating role of ego strength.

Methods and Materials:

The methodology of this study was descriptive-correlational, relying on structural equation modeling. The statistical population included all addicts undergoing withdrawal who visited addiction cessation centers in District 1 of Tehran, from whom a sample of 214 individuals was selected using cluster random sampling (n=214). The data collection tools were the Markstrom et al. (1997) Ego Strength Psychosocial Inventory, Nazari’s (2000) Attitude Towards Addiction Questionnaire, Gross and John’s (2003) Emotion Regulation Strategies Questionnaire, and Hazan and Shaver’s (1987) Adult Attachment Questionnaire.

Data analysis using structural equation modeling indicated that, given the lesser effect of the direct path compared to the indirect paths, the presence of the mediating variable ego strength enhances the effect, and the mediating role of ego strength in the current hypothesis was confirmed.

Therefore, there is a relationship between attachment styles and emotion regulationstrategies with the attitude towards addiction in clients undergoing withdrawal, mediated by ego strength. Recognizing the factors influencing a positive attitude towards substance abuse and its consequences is one of the first and most important actions in preventive programs against substance abuse. Practical suggestions were offered based on the interrelationships of the research variables.