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Spirituality may have protective effect on depression among adults with addiction

Results from a cross-sectional study highlight associations between secure attachment style and spirituality and low levels of depressive symptoms among adults undergoing treatment for substance use disorder.

“Adult attachment styles and spirituality have been shown to be protective factors against depressive symptoms among individuals in treatment for substance use disorders. However, no studies to date have examined how these two factors simultaneously are related to depressive symptomatology in this population. Thus, this study aimed to examine how adult attachment styles (secure vs. insecure attachment styles) and two distinct spirituality dimensions (existential purpose and meaning in life and religious well-being or the perceived relationship with God) are associated with depressive symptoms,” Naelys Diaz, PhD, of Florida Atlantic University, and colleagues wrote.

Naelys Diaz

Researchers evaluated self-report questionnaire responses from 77 individuals receiving substance use disorder treatment.

Hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicated secure attachment style and higher levels of existential purpose and meaning in life were significantly associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms, with existential purpose and meaning in life being the stronger predictor of depressive symptoms.

“Although our results suggest that practitioners could consider focusing on promoting improved interpersonal relationships for individuals with insecure attachment styles, they may want to place the fostering of purpose and meaning in life as a higher priority for treatment planning,” Diaz and colleagues wrote. “Future research may expand our results by exploring the insecure attachment styles in greater depth.” – by Amanda Oldt

Disclosure: Please see the full study for a list of all authors’ relevant financial disclosures.