The effect of emotion dysregulation on the relationship between craving and intolerance of uncertainty among individuals with risky alcohol use

In this study, it was aimed to reach a holistic and consistent understanding of the concept of craving and to examine the possible mediating role of emotion dysregulation in the relationship between alcohol craving and intolerance of uncertainty. In line with these aims, different models and approaches related to craving were evaluated and mediation analyses were performed for the relevant variables. Within the scope of the study, individuals with risky alcohol use were reached and Sociodemographic Form, BAPIRT-Alcohol Scale, Obsessive Compulsive Drinking Scale (OCDS), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) and Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS) were applied. The data obtained were subjected to frequency analysis, Pearson correlation analysis, Hayes analysis (model 4), one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and independent sample t-test with the help of SPSS 26 and Process Macro plug-in. A strong and positive relationship was found between the total and sub-dimension scores of the variables, except for the DERS Awareness sub-dimension. As a result of the mediation analyses, a strong full mediation effect was found for DERS total and Goal, Strategy, and Impulse sub-dimension scores; a strong partial mediation effect was found for the Non-acceptance sub-dimension score and a moderate partial mediation effect was found for the Clarity sub-dimension score. The study also examined whether OCDS, DERS and IUS scores differed depending on sociodemographic factors. While OCDS and DERS scores were found to be higher for more handicapped groups, IUS scores did not seem to be affected by sociodemographic factors.