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Drugs as Soulmates: The Construction and Validation of a 12-Item Soulmate Scale to Measure Substance Addiction and Loneliness

Author

Listed:
  • T. Wing Lo

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

  • Jerf W. K. Yeung

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

  • Gabriel K. W. Lee

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

  • Cherry H. L. Tam

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

  • Gloria H. Y. Chan

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

Abstract

Substance users use substances to tackle psychological stress, frustrations, poor social support and poor-quality relationships. Such experience resembles seeking a soulmate for receiving comfort, a sense of security and satisfaction to relieve feelings of loneliness. Against this backdrop, the study aims to develop a Soulmate Scale to measure substance use and loneliness. Data were collected from 507 drug abusers between 18–71 years of age who were receiving drug addiction treatment in Hong Kong. Both exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted. Results show a valid and reliable scale with three factors: psychological release and shelter, staunch and supportive friendship, and spiritual solace and companionship. This study offers additional support for understanding the drug-taking experience of substance users from their perspective. The Scale provides a useful tool to assess the underlying reasons for substance users to persistently take drugs and formulate corresponding intervention plans to achieve drug abstinence.

Suggested Citation

  • 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.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:24:p:9408-:d:462582
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. María del Mar Molero Jurado & María del Carmen Pérez-Fuentes & Ana Belén Barragán Martín & Rosa María del Pino Salvador & José Jesús Gázquez Linares, 2019. "Analysis of the Relationship between Emotional Intelligence, Resilience, and Family Functioning in Adolescents’ Sustainable Use of Alcohol and Tobacco," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(10), pages 1-17, May.
    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. 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.
    4. Gloria Hongyee Chan & T. Wing Lo & Gabriel Kwun-Wa Lee & Cherry Hau-Lin Tam, 2020. "Social Capital and Social Networks of Hidden Drug Abuse in Hong Kong," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-15, August.
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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.

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