Work

Impact of stress, loneliness, and emotional dysregulation on drug use potential among middle school students in South Korea: a cross-sectional study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: PURPOSE: This study is a descriptive survey examining the effects of stress, loneliness, and emotional dysregulation on adolescents' potential for drug use. METHODS: Data were collected through face-to-face surveys conducted between August 28 and September 11, 2023, with a sample of 118 second-year students from a middle school in South Korea. The survey questionnaire included items on general characteristics, substance-related characteristics, adolescent stress, loneliness, emotional dysregulation, and drug use potential. RESULTS: The analysis revealed significant differences in drug use potential based on academic achievement, school satisfaction, family relationship satisfaction, economic status, smoking experience, and substance use history. Furthermore, drug use potential showed a significant positive correlation with stress, loneliness, and emotional dysregulation. The key predictors of drug use potential were loneliness in family relationships, emotional dysregulation, and school satisfaction with a total explanatory power of 33.8%. CONCLUSION: To prevent adolescent drug use potential, it is essential to develop and implement nursing intervention programs that reduce family-related loneliness, provide support for emotional regulation difficulties, and promote smoking prevention.

Source: Child Health Nursing Research

DOI: 10.4094/chnr.2026.001

Authors: Sun Nam Park, Jongeun Lee, Eunae Kim

Institutions: Seoul Women's College of Nursing, Chungbuk National University

Language: English

Topic: Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $600