Prediction of Substance Use Relapse through Structural Modeling: Self-Transcendence and Personal Growth Initiative
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Objective: To examine whether self-transcendence and personal growth initiative (PGI) predict substance use relapse among opioid-dependent adults, and to evaluate the measurement and structural model using variance-based structural equation modeling.
Methods and Materials: In a descriptive–correlational study, 207 treatment-seeking individuals from addiction rehabilitation centers in Bam County, Iran, were recruited via convenience sampling. Measures included Wright’s Relapse Prediction Scale, the Adult Self-Transcendence Inventory, and the Personal Growth Initiative Scale. Given non-normality in several variables, analyses were conducted in SmartPLS. Reliability (Cronbach’s alpha and composite reliability), convergent validity (average variance extracted, AVE), discriminant validity (Fornell–Larcker), global model fit (SRMR), explained variance (R²), and structural paths with standard errors and t-values (bootstrapping) were assessed.
Findings: The measurement model demonstrated acceptable properties (alpha and composite reliability > .70; AVE > .50). Global fit was adequate (SRMR = .05). The structural model accounted for substantial variance in relapse (R² = .74). PGI showed a negative, statistically significant path to relapse (β = −.15, SE = .05, t = 2.77, p = .01), indicating that higher growth initiative relates to lower relapse risk. In contrast, self-transcendence exhibited a positive, significant association with relapse (β = +.75, SE = .05, t = 16.69, p < .001), with effects driven particularly by facets consistent with self-alienation.
Conclusion: Among opioid-dependent adults in Bam County, greater personal growth initiative appears protective against relapse, whereas higher self-transcendence—especially its alienation-related aspects—is associated with elevated relapse risk. Longitudinal research is warranted to clarify mechanisms and test generalizability across treatment modalities.
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