Affects, dissociative symptoms and addictive behaviours: Insights from clinical and non-clinical samples

Author(s)
Elisa Renner, Raphael Wimmer, Zoe Zipper, Hannah Brössler, Jasmin Brouschek, Jürgen Fuchshuber, Wolfgang Beiglböck, Human-Friedrich Unterrainer
Abstract

Objectives: Current literature links substance abuse with primary emotions and dissociative symptoms, but little research combines these relationships. This study investigates the clinical significance of these concepts and the mediating role of dissociative symptoms in the relationship between primary emotions and substance abuse. Methods: Study 1 included 517 adults (77.6 % female, Age: M = 27.84) from the community. Path analysis examined the relationships between primary emotions (BANPS-GL), dissociative symptoms (FDS), psychopathology (BSI-18), and substance abuse (WHO-ASSIST). Study 2 involved 73 inpatients with substance use disorders (SUD) compared to 73 matched individuals from the general population, totalling 146 participants (21.9 % female, Age: M = 34.90). MANOVA and Discriminant analysis assessed the differences and contributions of the variables to group separation. Results: Significant correlations were found between the FDS and the WHO-ASSIST, all BSI-scales, and all primary emotions except SEEKING. The FDS was a key mediator between primary emotions and substance abuse (WHO-ASSIST) and effectively differentiated between the clinical and general population groups. Conclusions: These findings highlight the role of dissociative symptoms in the relationship between emotional experiences and addictive behaviour. Future research should consider dissociative symptoms in the prevention and treatment of addictive disorders.

Organisation(s)
Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, Department of Religious Studies, Department of Practical Theology and Psychology of Religion
External organisation(s)
Medizinische Universität Graz, Verein Grüner Kreis, Medizinische Universität Wien, Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz, Sigmund Freud Privatuniversität
Journal
Journal of Affective Disorders
Volume
370
Pages
481-488
No. of pages
8
ISSN
0165-0327
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2024.11.031
Publication date
02-2025
Peer reviewed
Yes
Austrian Fields of Science 2012
603909 Religious studies, 501001 General psychology
Keywords
ASJC Scopus subject areas
Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology, Neurology, Psychiatry and Mental health, Biological Psychiatry, Behavioral Neuroscience, Clinical Psychology
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
Portal url
https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/en/publications/8be6bfe3-32f3-4e3a-9e66-14aaf8308498