Psychoanalytic Defenses, Childhood Trauma, Parental Attachment, Guilt and Shame in Substance Abusers

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the complex relationships between psychoanalytic defenses, childhood trauma, parental attachment, guilt, and shame in individuals with substance abuse issues in a Pakistani cultural context. Utilizing a correlational research design, a purposive sample of 200 diagnosed substance abusers aged 15 to 30 was selected from various rehabilitation centers across Punjab. Participants were required to be in the withdrawal phase for at least two weeks, with exclusion criteria including significant coexisting conditions, contradictory diagnoses, or physical impairments. Data was collected using standardized assessment tools, including the Child Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), Guilt and Shame (TOSCA-A) Scale, Defense Mechanisms Rating Scale (DMRS-SR-30), and Parental Attachment Scale. SPSS-26 was employed for data analysis, which revealed significant correlations and moderation effects between the variables. These findings provide valuable insights into the psychological factors contributing to substance abuse and have implications for developing targeted interventions, particularly within the cultural context of Pakistan.