The role of attachment styles and perceived social support in prediction of methamphetamine abuse

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe present research was a descriptive-correlational study. Out of all methamphetamine abusers who visited Farabi Hospital of Kermanshah, Iran, 100 individuals were selected for the sample. In addition, 100 non-addicted persons were selected as the control using convenience sampling method. All subjects were matched together in terms of age. The required data were collected using Adult Attachment Scale and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. The obtained data were statistically analyzed using the discriminate analysis test. The results showed that there is a significant difference between the two groups in educational attainment, job, history of physical illness, history of mental illness, family history of addiction, and attachment style (p < 0.05), while such a difference was not found between them in terms of economic status (p > 0.28). Secure attachment style, ambivalent attachment style, and family support, with a standardized coefficient of 0.598, 0.536, and 0.528 and a correlation coefficient of 0.567, 0.583, and 0.541, respectively, have the greatest impact on and share in the model and separation of the studied groups. According to the study findings, it is recommended that the role of attachment styles and perceived social support in the tendency to methamphetamine abuse be taken into account in programs of prevention, treatment, and health promotion for methamphetamine abusers.