Structural Modeling of Addiction Relapse Based on Emotion Dysregulation with the Mediating Role of Quality of Life and Rumination in Methadone-Treated Clients

Abstract

This study aimed to test a structural model of addiction relapse based on emotion dysregulation mediated by quality of life and rumination in individuals receiving methadone treatment. This correlational study employed structural equation modeling. Participants included 310 clients of addiction treatment centers in Qazvin selected through convenience sampling. Instruments consisted of relapse, emotion dysregulation, quality of life, and rumination questionnaires. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26 and AMOS. Emotion dysregulation had a significant positive direct effect on relapse (β=0.38, p<0.001) and rumination (β=0.61, p<0.001), and a significant negative direct effect on quality of life (β=-0.44, p<0.001). Rumination positively predicted relapse (β=0.48, p<0.001), whereas quality of life negatively predicted relapse (β=-0.34, p<0.001). Significant indirect effects of emotion dysregulation on relapse were observed through rumination (β=0.29, p<0.001) and quality of life (β=0.15, p=0.02). Model fit indices indicated an acceptable fit. Addiction relapse is strongly influenced by emotional and cognitive mechanisms, emphasizing the necessity of integrated psychological interventions that target emotion regulation, reduce rumination, and enhance quality of life.