Department of psychology, University of Yasouj
Abstract: (5 Views)
Objective: The present study aimed to examine the moderating role of ego strength in the relationship between family functioning and substance use propensity among adolescent students.
Method: This descriptive correlational study was conducted among 343 male secondary school students in Yasuj, Iran, during the 2024–2025 academic year. Participants were selected using random cluster sampling. Data were collected using the Family Functioning Questionnaire, Ego Strength Questionnaire, and Substance Use Propensity Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and Hayes’ PROCESS macro based on regression analysis.
Results: The results indicated that the overall regression model was statistically significant (R² = 0.36, F = 44.36, p < 0.001), with family functioning, ego strength, and their interaction accounting for approximately 36% of the variance in substance use propensity. Family functioning was significantly and negatively associated with substance use propensity. Similarly, ego strength showed a significant negative association with substance use propensity among students. Furthermore, the findings indicated that ego strength significantly moderated the relationship between family functioning and substance use propensity among adolescent students.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that among students with lower levels of ego strength, better family functioning is associated with a greater reduction in substance use propensity. Furthermore, among students with higher levels of ego strength, better family functioning is associated with lower substance use propensity. Thus, ego strength may function as a protective factor that contributes to reducing the propensity for substance use among adolescent students. In addition, educational interventions that take this moderating effect into account may be valuable for increasing awareness among adolescents and their families and strengthening healthy coping skills.
Method: This descriptive correlational study was conducted among 343 male secondary school students in Yasuj, Iran, during the 2024–2025 academic year. Participants were selected using random cluster sampling. Data were collected using the Family Functioning Questionnaire, Ego Strength Questionnaire, and Substance Use Propensity Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and Hayes’ PROCESS macro based on regression analysis.
Results: The results indicated that the overall regression model was statistically significant (R² = 0.36, F = 44.36, p < 0.001), with family functioning, ego strength, and their interaction accounting for approximately 36% of the variance in substance use propensity. Family functioning was significantly and negatively associated with substance use propensity. Similarly, ego strength showed a significant negative association with substance use propensity among students. Furthermore, the findings indicated that ego strength significantly moderated the relationship between family functioning and substance use propensity among adolescent students.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that among students with lower levels of ego strength, better family functioning is associated with a greater reduction in substance use propensity. Furthermore, among students with higher levels of ego strength, better family functioning is associated with lower substance use propensity. Thus, ego strength may function as a protective factor that contributes to reducing the propensity for substance use among adolescent students. In addition, educational interventions that take this moderating effect into account may be valuable for increasing awareness among adolescents and their families and strengthening healthy coping skills.
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