Perceived purpose and sources of meaning as protective factors for substance use amongst emerging adults across South Africa

South Africa (SA) is afflicted with high rates of substance use disorders. Emerging adults are particularly vulnerable to engaging in substance use that has the potential to become harmful. Thus, there is a need to identify protective factors that can diminish an emerging adult's propensity for hazardous substance use. There is a growing body of research that has determined a correlation between purpose and meaning as protective factors; however, there is a lack of appropriate data on the relationship between these variables within SA. Therefore, this study investigated the correlation between life purpose, sources of meaning and substance use amongst emerging adults in SA. A descriptive correlational research design was employed. Secondary survey data collected through a parent study entitled the ‘Africa Long Life Study (ALLS)’ was analysed. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Human and Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee and permission was granted by the ALLS’s principal investigators. Data representing the variables were drawn from a 152-item survey administered to a sample of emerging adults aged 18-23 (N=675). Results revealed significant relationships between items from the source of meaning dimension self-transcendence and life purpose. An association between illicit drug use and life purpose was also established. Conclusively, a correlation was found between alcohol addiction and the source of meaning dimension, ‘Relationship Status,’ alongside the self-transcendence item, ‘I am involved in community service.’ These findings contribute insights into protective factors against substance use within SA and can be utilised to guide future policy, practice and interventions.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of the Western Cape

Year dc:date.issued

2024

Author dc:creator

• Brogneri, Savannah

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Florence, Maria

• Emerging adults
• Substance use
• Life purpose
• Sources of meaning
• South Africa

Licence

• https://uwcscholar.uwc.ac.za/bitstreams/dd045691-a40a-4128-b594-8d0823f59983/download