PURPOSE: To analyze the relationship between self-efficacy in protecting against substance use and loneliness in adolescents.
METHOD: This descriptive, cross-sectional study comprised 400 adolescents. A Sociodemographic Data Form, Self-Efficacy for Adolescents Protecting Against Substance Abuse Scale (SEAPSAS), and Short-Form UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS-8) were used for data collection. Regression analysis and Pearson correlation analysis, as well as descriptive statistics, were used in data analysis.
RESULTS: Mean ULS-8 total score was 17.94 (SD = 5.07) and mean SEAPSAS total score was 68.78 (SD = 17.59). A weak significant negative relationship was found between mean ULS-8 total score and mean SEAPSAS subdimensions and total score. As a result of regression analysis, it was determined that ULS-8 total score negatively affected mean SEAPSAS total score by 24.9% (R2 = 0.249; B= -1.713; p < 0.001).
CONCLUSION: Loneliness in adolescents, which was observed to negatively impact self-efficacy in protecting against substance use, should be addressed by psychiatric nurses through prevention activities and support programs and services, such as early detection and intervention.