Andreeva, Ana (2025) Roots of Addiction and Recovery: Length of Addiction as a Moderating Variable. Bachelor thesis, Psychology.
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Abstract
Historically, addiction has been framed as either a neurobiological disease or a matter of personal choice, influencing perceptions of agency and responsibility. The present study examined whether these perspectives change how self-identified addicts perceive their ability to recover. We proposed two hypotheses: (1) beliefs about the root of addiction affect perceived ability to recover from addiction, and (2) length of addiction moderates the relationship between beliefs about the root of addiction and perceived ability to recover. Results revealed that while length of addiction was a significant predictor of beliefs about the ability to recover, perceptions about the root of addiction were not. The interaction effect, initially only approaching significance, became significant once an influential case was removed from the regression. These findings suggest that length of addiction plays an important role in shaping beliefs about recovery, with individuals viewing addiction as physiological showing greater declines in their perceived ability to recover as the duration of their addiction increases. This research highlights the importance of designing treatment approaches that instill a sense of agency and empower individuals to recognize their ability to take control of their recovery. While prioritizing long-term addicts who have struggled for years, interventions should also ensure that those with shorter histories of addiction receive adequate support as well, helping them regain control before their struggles escalate.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Bachelor) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Manchev, M.N. |
| Degree programme: | Psychology |
| Differentiation route: | None [Bachelor Psychology] |
| Date Deposited: | 16 Jul 2025 09:14 |
| Last Modified: | 16 Jul 2025 09:14 |
| URI: | http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/5536 |
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