Abstract
Introduction: Processing systems are influenced by dysfunctional mechanisms of emotioncognition regulation and produce serious health problems as well as psychological disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the moderating role of self-regulation on the relation between attachment styles and severity of substance use disorders.
Method: Method of the present exploratory study was correlational and the statistical population included men suffering from substance use disorders referred to four therapy centers in Tehran. One hundred and twenty two consecutive referrals with substance use disorders participated in this study as sample of the study. All participants were asked to complete the Adult Attachment Inventory, the Self-Regulation Inventory, and the Addiction Severity Index. Analysis of data involved both descriptive and inferential statistics including frequency, means, standard deviation, Pearson's correlation coefficients and moderated hierarchical multiple regression.
Results: Secure attachment style showed a significant positive association with self-regulation as well as a significant negative association with severity of substance use disorders, while insecure attachment styles (avoidant and ambivalent) showed significant negative association with self-regulation as well as a significant positive association with severity of substance use disorders. The result showed that self-regulation moderated the relation between attachment styles and severity of substance use disorders.
Conclusion: On the basis of the results of the present study, it can be concluded that severity of substance use disorders is influenced by self-regulation.