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An Inquiry into the Relationship between Drug Users’ Psychological Situations and Their Drug-Taking Behaviour

Author

Listed:
  • Gabriel Kwun Wa Lee

    (Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong)

  • Gloria Chan

    (Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong)

  • T. Wing Lo

    (Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong)

  • Jerf W. K. Yeung

    (Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong)

  • Cherry H. L. Tam

    (Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong)

  • Xin Guan

    (Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong)

Abstract

In view of the research gap whereby few studies have investigated the inner psychological situations underlying continuous drug use, this study used the Soulmate Scale to investigate the relationship between soulmate experience and drug-taking behaviour. Overall, 276 participants took part in this study. Results showed that soulmate experience was negatively related to drug-taking behaviour, which means that being psychologically attached to drugs and receiving comfort from them encourages dependency and a higher level of difficulty in quitting drugs. In addition, soulmate experience significantly mediated the effect of meaning of life and social isolation on drugs, suggesting that when such psychological bonding and sustenance can be developed in interpersonal relationships instead of drugs, drug users are likely to develop the meaning of life and a lower sense of social isolation, and are more likely to quit drugs. The corresponding implications were discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Gabriel Kwun Wa Lee & Gloria Chan & T. Wing Lo & Jerf W. K. Yeung & Cherry H. L. Tam & Xin Guan, 2021. "An Inquiry into the Relationship between Drug Users’ Psychological Situations and Their Drug-Taking Behaviour," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-16, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:23:p:12730-:d:693718
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Rémi Yin & Fabrice Etilé, 2019. "Measuring identity orientations for understanding preferences: a french validation of the aspects-of-identity questionnaire," Post-Print halshs-03959974, HAL.
    2. Trine Filges & Ditte Andersen & Anne‐Marie Klint Jørgensen, 2015. "Functional Family Therapy (FFT) for Young People in Treatment for Non‐opioid Drug Use: A Systematic Review," Campbell Systematic Reviews, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 11(1), pages 1-77.
    3. T. Wing Lo & Jerf W. K. Yeung & Gabriel K. W. Lee & Cherry H. L. Tam & Gloria H. Y. Chan, 2020. "Drugs as Soulmates: The Construction and Validation of a 12-Item Soulmate Scale to Measure Substance Addiction and Loneliness," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(24), pages 1-14, December.
    4. Gloria H. Y. Chan & T. Wing Lo & Cherry H. L. Tam & Gabriel K. W. Lee, 2019. "Intrinsic Motivation and Psychological Connectedness to Drug Abuse and Rehabilitation: The Perspective of Self-Determination," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(11), pages 1-17, May.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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