Mediating Role of Emotional Regulation in Relationship between Attachment Styles and Defense Mechanisms among Clients with Substance Use Disorders

Abdelhamid, Eslam Abdelfattah; Morsy, Omima Mohamed Ibrahim; Harfush, Souzan Abd Elmenem Abd  Elghafar; Hammad, , Heba Abdel-Hamid

doi:10.21608/tsnj.2024.375866

Mediating Role of Emotional Regulation in Relationship between Attachment Styles and Defense Mechanisms among Clients with Substance Use Disorders

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Lecturer, Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Egypt.

² Lecturer, Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Damanhour University, Egypt

³ Assistant professor of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University, Egypt.

10.21608/tsnj.2024.375866

Abstract

Background: Substance use disorders (SUDs) are complex conditions influenced by a myriad of
factors, including psychological, social, and biological elements. While previous research has delved
into the connection between substance use and attachment types, as well as the role of defense
mechanisms in addiction, a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms remains
elusive. By examining the intricate connections between attachment, emotional regulation, and defense
mechanisms, this study seeks to advance the field of SUDs research and inform the development of
more effective treatment modalities. Aim: This study investigated the mediating role of emotional
regulation in the relationship between attachment styles and defensive coping among clients with
substance use disorder (SUD). Subjects and Method: Design: The research design used for this study
was a descriptive correlational one. Subjects: A convenience sample of clients with SUDs in the
outpatient units of El-Maamora Hospital for Psychiatric Medicine was followed. Tools: Four
instruments utilized to collect the data (socio-demographic data, Revised Adult Attachment Scale
(RAAS), Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ), and Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ). Results:
Current findings indicate that defensive styles are strongly correlated with attachment style and
emotional regulation in clients with substance use disorders. Clients with secure attachment tend to have
better emotional regulation, which in turn contributes to lower levels of immature defense styles.
Conclusion and Recommendation: Interventions targeting attachment insecurity, promoting the
development of mature defenses, and enhancing emotional regulation skills may be beneficial in treating
SUDs. Psychiatric mental health nurses should develop psychoeducational programs for parents and
teachers to enhance emotional regulation and child attachment security as prevention strategies