Cognitive and behavioural mediators in drug dependency: Implications for an integrated cognitive-behaviour approach to treating drug abusers

Abstract

Introduction: Previous studies have mostly focused on the direct effects of psychological factors on drug dependence and overlooked potential cognitive and behavioural mediating processes. This study aims to advance the current literature by examining a serial mediation model in which the association between motivation to change drug use and drug dependence is sequentially mediated by temptation coping skills, abstinence self-efficacy, and negative emotions.Method/Technique: One hundred and thirty Chinese drug abusers in Hong Kong participated in this study. Structural equation modeling was conducted to analyze the hypothesized serial mediation model.Results/Outcome: As predicted, two significant specific indirect effects were revealed. First, the specific indirect effect from motivation to change drug use to drug dependence via temptation coping skills, abstinence self-efficacy, and negative emotions was significant. Second, the specific indirect effect from motivation to change drug use to drug dependence via temptation coping skills and abstinence self-efficacy was significant. The direct effects of motivation to change drug use and temptation coping skills on drug dependence were not significant.Discussion/Conclusion: These findings provide insight into the development of an integrated intervention model that incorporates motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and emotion regulation training to treat drug abusers.