Journal article
Substance Use: Links with Sensory Sensitivity, Attachment Insecurity, and Distress in Young Adults
Substance Use and Misuse, Vol.55(11), pp.1817-1824
2020
PMID: 32441186
Abstract
Background: Adolescence and young adulthood are periods of increased substance use, with insecurely attached individuals at greater risk of abusing substances. With recent evidence linking insecure attachment with sensory sensitivity, and evidence that both are linked with higher levels of distress, there is a need to consider these variables in relation to substance use in a sample of young adults. Methods: A convenience sample of 223 young adults (18-24 years) completed self-report measures of attachment, sensory sensitivity, use of various substances (e.g. alcohol, legal and illegal drugs, cigarettes, energy drinks), and distress. Correlation, t-test, and regression/mediation analyses were conducted. Results: Sensory sensitivity was positively correlated with insecure attachment. Anxious attachment was related to problematic substance use, frequent cigarette use, and misuse of prescribed medications. Avoidant attachment was associated with frequent use of cigarettes and energy drinks. Sensory sensitivity, attachment anxiety, and attachment avoidance each had significant indirect effects on problematic substance use, mediated by increased levels of distress. Conclusions: Sensory sensitivity and attachment insecurity both appear to impact problematic substance use in young adults through elevated levels of distress. Findings support consideration of sensory- and attachment-informed interventions with this population.
Details
- Title
- Substance Use: Links with Sensory Sensitivity, Attachment Insecurity, and Distress in Young Adults
- Authors
- Pamela Meredith (Author) - Central Queensland UniversityRhianna Moyle (Author) - University of QueenslandLachlan Kerley (Author) - University of Queensland
- Publication details
- Substance Use and Misuse, Vol.55(11), pp.1817-1824
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis Inc.
- Date published
- 2020
- DOI
- 10.1080/10826084.2020.1766502
- ISSN
- 1532-2491
- PMID
- 32441186
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health - Occupational Therapy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy; Cancer Research Cluster
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99568008202621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Substance Abuse
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Source: InCites