Relationship between Developmental Assets and Addiction Potential with Regard to Mediating Role of Alexithymia in Adolescents of Arak, Iran

Aims: This study aimed at presenting a model for addiction potential based on developmental assets mediating by alexithymia in adolescentsliving in Arak, Iran. Materials and Methods: Five hundred members were selected as samples (n = 500) among female and male second‑gradehigh school students at the tenth and eleventh academic grades in Arak using cluster random sampling. To collect data, Iranian AddictionPotential Scale, Toronto Alexithymia Scale and Developmental Assets Profile were used. The data were analyzed using Structural EquationModeling and LISREL Software. Results: Model fit indices had suitable model fit with data. Internal developmental assets with path coefficientof B = −0.48 were more effective in reducing addiction potential compared with external developmental assets with path coefficient of B = −0.27.Positive identity, empowerment, and social competency were the most effective components of developmental assets in reducing addictionpotential. Internal assets could explain addiction potential in adolescence more than external assets. Conclusion: Direct effect of developmentalassets on addiction potential was confirmed and its indirect effect with mediation of alexithymia was significant. Moreover, results showedthat only internal developmental asset had an effect on addiction potential in adolescents mediating by alexithymia, so the effect of externaldevelopmental asset on addiction potential in adolescents based on the mediation of alexithymia was rejected.

کلیدواژه ها:

Addiction potential ، adolescents ، alexithymia ، developmental assets ، developmental external assets ، developmental internal assets