Sergey Igumnov, Konstantin Zbarousky, Pavel Lapanau, Ruslan Popok, Ekaterina Grinevich
Abstract
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 at the age of 15-24, average age: 18.9±1.64, M:F= 87:63). As a result of the randomization of subjects, 3 groups were detected: themain group (people with traces of developing anaddiction from “new psychoactive substances” (NPS)) (MG, 50 people); a comparison group (people with “non-chemical” forms of addiction (internet addiction) (CG, 50 people) and a reference group (50 people, without addictions and deviant behavior). The research of coping behavior methods, in the category “Search for social support” groups MG and RG significantly differ statistically (probability of passing similarity p = 0.016, t =2.45, df = 147) has shown the significance of asocial network support as in the case of NPS addiction. The total score of the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-26-R showed that people from MG (average number 67.66±8.01) and RG (average number 58.92±8.36) statistically differ significantly, with a probability of passing similarity being p<0.001, t=5.3, df=147. Indicators of expressed alexithymia noticeably prevailed in MG and CG, in comparison with the RG. While researching internet addiction using a subject oriented scale, there was a statistically significant difference between CG and RG. The probability of a passing similarity is p = 0.006, t=2.82, df =147. The received and analyzed study materials are the basis for the development of acombined preventive and rehabilitation program for those with “NPS” addiction and “internet addiction” among teenagers and youth.
Keyword(s): alexithymia, addiction, “new psychoactive substances” (NPS), internet addiction.
DOI: 10.5200/sm-hs.2018.049
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