A Comparative Study of Cognitive Reappraisal, Expressive Suppression and Alexithymia Among Patients with Substance Dependence

Abstract

Individuals often employ Cognitive Reappraisal and Expressive Suppression as emotional regulation strategies to manage and respond to emotional experiences effectively. The correlation between these strategies and Alexithymia may play a role in cases of Substance Dependence. The current study endeavours to comprehend the adaptive and maladaptive employment of emotion regulation strategies by patients with Substance Dependence and their relationship with Alexithymia. This study adopts a cross-sectional design with a retrospective approach, examining 60 samples out of which 30 male patients diagnosed with various forms of substance dependence and comparing them with 30 male individuals without substance dependence selected from the general population through the Purposive Sampling Method. Data collection involved the use of standardized tools, including the CAGE-AID, General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ), and Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20). The results of independent t-test analyses unveiled significant differences between the two groups concerning the utilization of Cognitive Reappraisal, Expressive Suppression strategies, and Alexithymia. Moreover, Pearson Correlation Analysis highlighted a significant relationship among Cognitive Reappraisal, Expressive Suppression, and Alexithymia within the cohort of patients with Substance Dependence. These findings provide valuable insights into the emotional regulation mechanisms and emotional awareness in individuals affected by substance dependence, underscoring the complex interplay between cognitive processes and emotional experiences in this population.