The Effect of Sense of Failure and Alexithymia on Perceived Temptation in Substance Users

Considering the importance of perceived level of temptation on treatment programs in substance users and the role of cognitive aspects, this study was conducted to investigate the effect of sense of failure and alexithymia on perceived temptation. Materials and Methods: In this study, the effect of sense of failure and alexithymia on the perceived temptation in substance users in Saravan [south of IR. Iran] was investigated. In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 270 addicts living in addiction treatment centers in Saravan in the first four months of 2018 were selected by convenience sampling method. The Defeat Scale, the Alexithymia Scale, and the Drug Perceived Temptation Questionnaire-20 were used to assess variables. SPSS software version 22, Pearson correlation test and multiple regression were used to analyze the data. Results: The results showed that there is a relationship between inactivity, sense of loser and satisfaction with temptation [r = 0.32, 0.51, - 0.46]. There is also a significant relationship between alexithymia, difficulty in identifying emotions, difficulty in describing emotions and objective thinking with temptation [r = 0.60, 0.51, 0.48, 0.30]. Based on regression analysis, alexithymia [R2 = 0.37] and sense of failure [R2 = 0.32] can negatively predict temptation. Based on the results of the study, considering the sense of failure, alexithymia, and receiving appropriate care can play an important role in reducing perceived temptation.