Emotion Regulation Problems and Addiction Potential in Iranian Students

Objective: Recent studies have shown that emotion dysregulation is one of the most significant factors in young people&rsquo;s tendency towards risky behaviors. Therefore, it seems necessary to study the role of emotion regulation strategies in drug-related behaviors. The goal of the present study was to examine the relationship between emotion regulation strategies, and addiction potential in the Iranian student population. Methods: In this cross sectional study, a convenient sampling method was used to select a total of 388 students from the universities in Tehran. The Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) and Addiction Potential Scale (IAPS) were used to collect data. The study data were analyzed using the Pearson&rsquo;s correlation coefficient and hierarchical regression analysis. Results: According to the study results, limited access to emotion regulation strategies was the sole predictor of active addiction potential (t=2.79, P<0.01). Passive addiction potential was predicted by emotional awareness (t=4.89, P<0.001) and also by limited access to emotion regulation strategies (t=5.01, P<0.01). Conclusion: Emotion regulation strategies and emotional awareness in relation to other components of emotion regulation were found to have more association with addiction potential. It was also seen that emotion regulation strategies training was effective in the prevention of drug dependence.