The Relationship Between Hopelessness and Childhood Traumas in Men With Methamphetamine Use Disorder: The Mediating Role of Perceived Social Support

OpenAlex İngilizce

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the effect of childhood trauma (CT) on the level of hopelessness in individuals diagnosed with methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) and the mediating role of perceived social support in this relationship. METHODS: The study included 43 patients diagnosed with MUD who attended a psychiatric outpatient clinic and 45 healthy controls with similar sociodemographic characteristics. Participants completed a sociodemographic data form, the Childhood Trauma Scale- Short Form, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the Beck Hopelessness Scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS 27 and the PROCESS Macro; correlation, group comparisons, and bootstrap-based mediation analysis were applied. RESULTS: In the group with MUD, CT, and hopelessness levels were significantly higher, while perceived social support levels were lower. Positive correlations were found between trauma and hopelessness, and negative correlations were found between social support and both variables. In the mediation analysis, the direct effect of CT on hopelessness was insignificant (b=0.037, p=0.115), while the indirect effect mediated by perceived social support was significant (b=0.062, 95% confidence interval: 0.028 to 0.101). These findings indicate that perceived social support is mediating in this relationship. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, it appears that hopelessness levels in individuals diagnosed with MUD may be affected by CT and that this effect is shaped through social support. The findings emphasize the importance of strengthening social support systems in treatment.