EXPLORING THE MEDIATING ROLE OF IMPULSIVITY IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES AND NICOTINE ADDICTION

Abstract

The study aimed to investigate the meditational role of impulsivity between relationship of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and the most used psychoactive substance classified in DSM 5-TR, tobacco use which includes all nicotine and tobacco-related products (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). Adverse Childhood Experiences International Questionnaire (World Health Organization, 2018) and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (Patton et al., 1995) were used. The sample size comprised of 102 participants screened for nicotine use. The Pearson Correlation Coefficient and Hayes Process Macro were used to analyze the data. It was found that ACEs did not significantly correlate with nicotine addiction but there was a significant positive correlation between impulsivity and nicotine addiction. Furthermore, impulsivity mediated the relationship between ACEs and Nicotine addiction. The study has implication for intervention programs for individuals with ACEs, hence improving the lives of individuals.