Predicting Tendency Toward Substance Use Based on Mindfulness Skills, Cognitive Flexibility, and Mental Vitality in Adolescents

Abstract

Purpose: The objective of this study was to predict the tendency toward substance use based on mindfulness skills, cognitive flexibility, and mental vitality in adolescents.   Methodology: This study is applied in its objective and descriptive-correlational (predictive) in its methodology. The population consisted of all adolescents in the city of Tehran, and a sample of 150 individuals was selected through convenience sampling. The tools used included the Substance Use Tendency Questionnaire by Bochner, MacKinnon, and Ben-Porat (1992), the Cognitive Flexibility Scale by Dennis and Vander Wal (2010), the Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Skills by Baer, Smith, and Allen (2004), and the Mental Vitality Scale by Ryan and Frederick (1997). The data were analyzed using multiple regression and Pearson correlation in SPSS23, after statistical assumptions were confirmed.   Findings: The results showed that mindfulness skills, cognitive flexibility, and mental vitality together predicted 95.4% of the tendency toward substance use in adolescents. Cognitive flexibility (β = -0.104), mindfulness (β = -0.220), and mental vitality (β = -0.713) were significantly related to substance use tendency. Additionally, components such as observing, non-judgmental description, acting with awareness, acceptance without judgment, alternatives, and control were significantly correlated with substance use tendency.   Conclusion: The findings suggest that mindfulness skills, cognitive flexibility, and mental vitality play a significant role in reducing the tendency toward substance use in adolescents.