| چکیده انگلیسی مقاله |
The present study aimed to determine the role of inferiority complex and distress tolerance in predicting addiction tendencies with respect to the mediating role of experiential avoidance in students. The present study design was correlational using structural equation modeling. The study isbasic research in terms of its purpose. In this cross-sectional study, 250 students at Khoy Azad University participated and completed addiction tendencies, inferiority complex, acceptance and action, and distress tolerance questionnaire. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using SPSS and Amos software. The results of the statistical analysis indicated that both inferiority complex and distress tolerance variables directly and indirectly, through the mediation of experiential avoidance, significantly predict students' addiction tendencies. Distress tolerance, experiential avoidance, and inferiority complex variables predicted 28%, 17%, and 14% of the variance of addiction tendencies as the criterion variable, respectively. Therefore, it can be concluded that in order to take measures to reduce the tendency towards addiction in students, one should focus on improving feelings of inferiority and distress tolerance. Besides, they should consider improving experiential avoidance. Introduction Drug addiction is a serious public health issue that significantly impacts individual, family, and societal well-being (Iswardani et al., 2022). The global consumption of illicit substances has increased, and a large portion of the population requires treatment for substance-related disorders (Ho, 2022). Several theoretical approaches explain the tendency toward addiction, including the access to substances, social disorganization, and individual psychological traits (Grasman et al., 2016). Among psychological factors, feelings of inferiority and distress tolerance have received growing attention. Feelings of inferiority are associated with low self-esteem, life dissatisfaction, and mental health problems, all of which may facilitate substance use (Zhao et al., 2020). Similarly, low distress tolerance is linked to higher substance use and poor emotional regulation (Simons & Gaher, 2005). In this context, experiential avoidance is considered a key mediating variable between feelings of inferiority and distress tolerance on the one hand, and addiction tendency on the other. While experiential avoidance may temporarily reduce emotional discomfort, rigid or excessive use of this strategy can be harmful and is often associated with anxiety, depression, and increased substance use (Fonseca et al., 2018). Given the high prevalence of drug use among the youth, especially those aged 18 to 25, identifying the psychological predictors of addiction is essential. This study aims to investigate whether experiential avoidance mediates the relationship between feelings of inferiority and distress tolerance with addiction tendency among university students. Methods The study population comprised all students of Islamic Azad University, Khoy Branch, during the 2024-2025 academic year, from which 250 individuals were selected as the sample using a non-random convenience sampling method. This sample size exceeded the recommended minimum for structural equation modeling studies (approximately 200 participants) to account for potential dropouts and invalid responses. Inclusion criteria included voluntary participation and the absence of physical illnesses or psychological disorders, assessed by an experienced specialist. Exclusion criteria were withdrawal from completing questionnaires or providing invalid responses. The instruments used included the Addiction Tendency Questionnaire(1992), the Comparative Feelings of Inferiority Questionnaire(1990), the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-II)(2011), and the Distress Tolerance Scale(2005), all of which demonstrated acceptable validity and reliability, with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranging from 0.78 to 0.90 in the current study. Data were analyzed using SPSS and Amos software, with the proposed model evaluated based on statistical assumptions such as normality of distribution, absence of multicollinearity, and error independence. Findings The results of the structural equation modeling analysis indicated that both feelings of inferiority and distress tolerance directly and indirectly, through the mediation of experiential avoidance, significantly predicted addiction tendencies among students. Distress tolerance, with a standardized path coefficient of 0.42 (p<0.01), experiential avoidance with a path coefficient of -0.31 (p<0.05), and feelings of inferiority with a path coefficient of 0.27 (p<0.05) significantly predicted addiction tendencies. These variables accounted for 28%, 17%, and 14% of the variance in addiction tendency, respectively. Indirect effects via experiential avoidance were also significant (p<0.05), as assessed using the bootstrapping method. Model fit indices demonstrated a good fit: The chi-square to degrees of freedom ratio (χ²/df) was 2.3. The Comparative Fit Index (CFI), 0.94. The Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI), 0.92, and the Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) was 0.06. These findings suggest that distress tolerance had the greatest impact on predicting addiction tendency, while experiential avoidance exerted a reverse and reductive effect. Discussion and Conclusion The present study aimed to examine the role of feelings of inferiority and distress tolerance in predicting addiction tendency among students, considering the mediating role of experiential avoidance. Statistical analysis indicated that both feelings of inferiority and distress tolerance significantly predict students’ tendency toward addiction through the mediating effect of experiential avoidance. Previous research has shown that individuals may turn to substance use to escape negative emotions associated with low self-worth and poor emotional regulation. However, distress tolerance and inferiority have been less frequently studied as predictors of addiction. The current findings align with those of Tayibi (2021), who emphasized multiple factors contributing to addiction, such as poor coping skills, high stress, lack of emotional control, and maladaptive beliefs about drugs. Feelings of inferiority, a core concept in psychology, refers to an individual's perception of being less capable or valuable than others (Schultz, 2011). This feeling often arises from adverse life experiences or unrealistic social comparisons. It may lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, social withdrawal, and eventually to compensatory risky behaviors like substance abuse (Hasper, 2013). Distress tolerance refers to a person's ability to manage negative emotions and stressful situations without resorting to maladaptive behaviors (Simons & Gaher, 2005). Individuals with low distress tolerance are more likely to use drugs as a coping mechanism (Bernstein et al., 2009). Experiential avoidance, the tendency to avoid unpleasant internal experiences, may provide temporary relief but often leads to long-term psychological issues (Bond et al., 2011). It is considered the opposite of psychological flexibility and may mediate the relationship between inferiority, distress tolerance, and addiction tendency. In sum, the variables studied—inferiority feelings, distress tolerance, and experiential avoidance—play a significant role in addiction tendency. Identifying these factors can inform the development of targeted interventions and preventive programs, particularly for university students. The study was limited to students from the Islamic Azad University of Khoy, reducing the generalizability of the findings. Also, contextual factors such as family environment and interpersonal relationships were not controlled. Future research is encouraged to use tools like interviews for deeper insight. University counseling centers can use these results to design preventive educational workshops and seminars, focusing on enhancing emotional resilience and addressing maladaptive coping strategies. |