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Emotional dysregulation in relation to substance use and behavioral addictions: Findings from five separate
Alba González-Roz1, Yasmina Castaño2, Andrea Krotter1
1Addictive Behaviors Research Group (GCA), Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Plaza Feijoo s/n, 33003, Oviedo, Spain.
Background/Objective:
Emotional dysregulation (ED) is a transdiagnostic variable underlying various psychiatric disorders, including addictive behaviors (ABs). This meta-analysis examines the relationship between ED and ABs (alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, gambling, and gaming), and indicators of AB engagement (frequency, quantity/time of use, severity, and problems).
Method:
Searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, WoS, and PsycINFO. Five separate meta-analysis were run using random-effects models. Moderators (age, sex, continental region, and sample type; community vs. clinical), and publication bias were evaluated.
Results:
A total of 189 studies (N = 78,733; 51.29 % women) were identified. ED was significantly related to all ABs. Problems and severity indicators exhibited the largest effects (r's .118-.372, all p <.023). There were larger effect sizes for cannabis problems (r = .372), cannabis severity (r = .280), gaming severity (r = .280), gambling severity (r = .245), gambling problems (r = .131), alcohol problems (r = .237), alcohol severity (r = .204), and severity of nicotine dependence (r = .118). Lack of impulse control exhibited some of the largest effects in relation to ABs. Clinical samples of cannabis users vs. community-based exhibited larger magnitude of associations.
Conclusions:
Interventions targeting ABs should address lack of strategies and impulsive behaviors as an emotion regulation strategy specifically, as it is a common risk factor for ABs.
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