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Intrinsic Motivation and Psychological Connectedness to Drug Abuse and Rehabilitation: The Perspective of Self-Determination

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  • Gloria H. Y. Chan

    (School of Social Science, Caritas Institute of Higher Education, Hong Kong, China)

  • T. Wing Lo

    (Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China)

  • Cherry H. L. Tam

    (Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China)

  • Gabriel K. W. Lee

    (Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China)

Abstract

This study adopts the perspective of the Self-Determination Theory to look at the psychological experience of drug users and their decisions to take drugs or not, with particular emphasis on the concept of relatedness. To achieve this objective, a qualitative methodology was employed to explore the experiences of these drug users regarding how they take drugs and/or relapse. Theory-driven thematic analysis was employed to identify themes related to this topic. Results show that one’s psychological need for relatedness is an important determinant of whether one will take drugs or not, via the interaction mechanisms that exist in dimensions of affiliation and intimacy. While drug taking is a result of the modeling behavior existing in affiliated relationships, it is also a coping strategy for the ultimate satisfaction of psychological needs when human relatedness disappears. The implication is that significant others can develop unconditionally warm, caring, and empathetic supportive relationships with drug users, so as to enhance their fulfillment of psychological needs and reduce the risk of drug relapse.

Suggested Citation

  • Gloria H. Y. Chan & T. Wing Lo & Cherry H. L. Tam & Gabriel K. W. Lee, 2019. "Intrinsic Motivation and Psychological Connectedness to Drug Abuse and Rehabilitation: The Perspective of Self-Determination," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(11), pages 1-17, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:11:p:1934-:d:236058
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Robert J. Sampson & John H. Laub, 2005. "A Life-Course View of the Development of Crime," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 602(1), pages 12-45, November.
    2. T. Wing Lo & John W. L. Tse & Christopher H. K. Cheng & Gloria H. Y. Chan, 2019. "The Association between Substance Abuse and Sexual Misconduct among Macau Youths," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(9), pages 1-17, May.
    3. Tam, Hau-lin & Shik, Angela Wai-yan & Lam, Shirley Siu-ling, 2016. "Using expressive arts in relapse prevention of young psychotropic substance abusers in Hong Kong," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 60(C), pages 88-100.
    4. McIntosh, James & McKeganey, Neil, 2000. "Addicts' narratives of recovery from drug use: constructing a non-addict identity," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 50(10), pages 1501-1510, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Gabriel Kwun Wa Lee & Gloria Chan & T. Wing Lo & Jerf W. K. Yeung & Cherry H. L. Tam & Xin Guan, 2021. "An Inquiry into the Relationship between Drug Users’ Psychological Situations and Their Drug-Taking Behaviour," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-16, December.
    2. T. Wing Lo & Jerf W. K. Yeung & Cherry H. L. Tam, 2020. "Substance Abuse and Public Health: A Multilevel Perspective and Multiple Responses," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-7, April.
    3. T. Wing Lo & Jerf W. K. Yeung & Gabriel K. W. Lee & Cherry H. L. Tam & Gloria H. Y. Chan, 2020. "Drugs as Soulmates: The Construction and Validation of a 12-Item Soulmate Scale to Measure Substance Addiction and Loneliness," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(24), pages 1-14, December.
    4. Pei Hong & Shengnan Li & Yanping Yu & Quanyang Deng, 2021. "How to Enhance the Motivation for Drug Detoxification: Consciousness Guidance and Behaviour Restriction of Family Intergenerational Ethics," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(1), pages 1-24, December.
    5. Chen Li & Guandong Song, 2022. "A Qualitative Study of Drug Treatment Conformity Behavior among Young Drug Users Who Are in Recovery in China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-14, November.

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