Investigating the relationship between resilience and depression with anxiety traits in high school adolescents in Rasht

Abstract

Background: Relapse remains one of the most significant challenges in addiction recovery, often influenced by psychological factors. One such factor is perceived inefficacy, which may contribute to increased mental inclination toward substance reuse. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between perceived personal inefficacy and mental inclination to relapse in individuals in recovery attending Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings.

Methods: This was a descriptive-correlational study. The statistical population included individuals in recovery from substance use disorder who were active members of NA groups in western Tehran Province in 2025. A sample of 100 participants was selected using convenience sampling. Data collection instruments included the Perceived Inefficacy Scale (derived from self-efficacy subscales) and the Mental Inclination to Relapse (MIR) questionnaire. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used for data analysis.

Results: The findings revealed a significant positive correlation between perceived inefficacy and mental inclination to relapse (r = 0.61, p < 0.001). Individuals with greater perceived inability to manage emotional states, high-risk situations, or internal stressors were more likely to experience cognitive and emotional urges related to substance reuse.

Conclusion: Perceived personal inefficacy plays a key role in the mental processes associated with relapse. Interventions focused on enhancing self-efficacy, psychological resilience, and coping strategies are essential to maintaining long-term abstinence and preventing relapse in individuals recovering from addiction.