College students undergo numerous transitions during their university years and are at a critical juncture in their lives. These transitions, which shape their identity development, emotions, cognitive processes, and behaviors, can also expose them to adverse environmental factors, potentially leading to an increase in substance misuse. Understanding these factors is crucial. This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the mediating role of self-compassion and subjective well-being in the relationship between psychological flexibility and substance misuse among college students.
This study consists of 445 participants, all emerging adults enrolled at a university in Turkiye. The average age of participants was 20.85. Substance misuse was measured using a three-item scale and assessed for drug, alcohol, and tobacco use. Psychological flexibility, self-compassion, and subjective well-being were also measured. Data was collected through an online survey, and a snowball sampling technique was used, including participants inviting acquaintances in similar circumstances.
The results of this study showed that low psychological flexibility has adverse effects on substance misuse among college students. Psychological flexibility allows individuals to cope with life challenges more effectively by regulating thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This will enable individuals to respond skillfully to changing situations. The study’s findings also suggested that self-compassion mediates the relationship between psychological flexibility and subjective well-being among college students. Psychological flexibility plays a huge role in fostering self-compassion and subjective well-being as a preventive measure for substance misuse among college students.
Takeaway: Psychological flexibility plays a huge role in fostering self-compassion and subjective well-being as a preventive measure for substance misuse among college students.