Emotional Climate of the Family and Youth Addiction Tendency: A Phenomenological Study of Lived Experiences
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Objective: This study aimed to explore the phenomenological aspects of family emotional atmosphere and its impact on addiction proneness among youth by analyzing their lived experiences.
Methods and Materials: Using a qualitative and phenomenological approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 15 young individuals undergoing treatment at the Yaran Addiction Rehabilitation Center in Yazd, Iran. Participants were selected via purposive sampling based on maximum variation and data saturation. Interviews were analyzed using the Strauss and Glaser method with thematic coding and interpretive analysis.
Findings: Four primary themes emerged from the data: Emotional insecurity due to unmet emotional needs and rejection, Ineffective parenting styles including authoritarian or neglectful behaviors, Identification with addicted parents as behavioral models, and Dysfunctional family dynamics marked by conflict, infidelity, favoritism, and lack of autonomy. These conditions contributed to persistent feelings of inferiority, identity failure, and ultimately, maladaptive coping behaviors such as substance use.
Conclusion: A dysfunctional family emotional atmosphere significantly contributes to youth vulnerability to addiction. Addressing emotional deprivation, poor communication, and ineffective parenting strategies in family environments is crucial in prevention and rehabilitation programs.
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