Perceived Social Support as a Moderator between Defense Mechanisms and Quality of Life in Persons with Substance Use Disorders

Abstract

The goal of the present research was to examine the relationship between perceived social support, defense mechanisms, and quality of life of people with substance use disorders. A purposive sampling procedure was used to pick 250 participants from different drug rehabilitation centers in Faisalabad. Response was collected through the use of the Defense Style Questionnaire, Multidimensional Scale for Perceived Social Support and Quality of Life Questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS software. Results showed that both perceived levels of S S and the use of mature defensive mechanisms were significantly positively related to quality of life. On the other hand, immature defense mechanisms were identified as being tremendously negatively correlated. Moreover, there was a significant negative association with immature defensive styles and a meaningful positive association with mature and neurotic defense styles with regard to perceived social support. It is of critical importance that it was revealed that in individuals with a substance use disorder, social support significantly mediated the relationship between both mature and immature defense systems with quality of life. These discoveries are incredibly useful for researchers and mental health practitioners alike contributing to the existing literature shaping theory development and psychotherapeutic and counseling practices.