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Alexithymia as risk factor of the development of addictive b | 50766
International Research Journals

Alexithymia as risk factor of the development of addictive behavior of young people in the Republic of Belarus

Abstract

Igumnov S

Material  and  methods.A  socio-psychological  survey  and  clinical-psychological  research  were   conducted   (level   of   alexithymia;   intensity  of  Internet  addiction;  individual-characterological  personality  traits;  individual  style   of   coping   strategies,   behavioral   patterns and resources  of  personality)  in  the  cohort  of  150  people  living  in  Belarus  at  the  age  of  15-24,  average  age:  18.9±1.64,  M:F= 87:63). As  a  result  of  randomization  of  subjects  3  groups  were  detected:  main  group  (people  with  traces  of  developing  addiction   from   “new   psychoactive   substances”   (NPS))(MG,   50   people);   group   of   comparison    (people    with    “non-chemical” forms  of  addiction  (Internet  addiction)  (GC,  50  people)  and  control  group  (50  people,  without  addictions  and  deviant  behavior). Results.The research of coping behavior methods, in the category “Search for social support” groups MG and control differ significantly statistically (probability  of passing similarity p = 0.016, t=2.45, df=147) has shown the significance of social  network support as in the case      of PAS addiction. Total score of Toronto Alexithymia Scale-26-R showed that people from MG (average number 67.66±8.01) and CG (average number 58.92±8.36) statistically differ significantly, probability of passing similarity is p<0.001, t=5.3, df=147. Indicators of expressed alexithymia noticeably prevail in MG and GC, in comparison  with  control.  While  researching  Internet  addiction  using  subject-oriented scale, statistically significant difference between CG and control was found out, probability of passing similarity is p = 0.006, t=2.82, df=147. Conclusion.Received and analyzed study materials are the basis for the development of combined preventive and rehabilitation program for those with “new PAS” addiction and “Internet addiction” among teenagers and youth. 

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