ROLE OF VESTED INTEREST AND MACHIAVELLIANISM IN DRUG ADDICTION TENDENCIES AMONG YOUNG ADULTS: A PSYCHOSOCIAL PERSPECTIVE WITHIN WORKFORCE SETTINGS

Abstract

Substance abuse has been emerged as growing health concern among young adults along with occupational stressors and competitive pressures contributing to dysfunctional coping behaviors (Frone, 2013). This study examines the psychosocial predictors of drug addiction tendencies, stressing on specifically on the role of Machiavellianism, people with manipulative tendencies and self-interest (Christie & Geis, 1970; Paulhus & Williams, 2002) and vested interest, indicates strong personal interest in something you can get benefit from in particular outcomes (Crano, 1995). Based on Social Cognitive Theory (Bandura, 1986) and the Theory of Planned Behavior (Ajzen, 1991), the study employs a hypothetical correlation and quantitative research design to explore how these psychological factors influence substance abuse behavior. Literature recommends that Machiavellian individuals are more inclined to take risks, indulge in substance use, particularly in high work pressure environment (Jones & Paulhus, 2011; O'Boyle et al., 2012). Moreover, individuals with more vested interest tendencies rationalize substance use as a tool to enhance performance (Crano, 1995). The study hypothesizes that there is a relationship between vested interest and drug addiction with moderation of Machiavellianism. The results of the current study showed that vested interest and Machiavellianism both are significantly correlated with the drug addiction indicating that higher levels of vested interest and Machiavellianism are associated with greater tendency of drug addiction. The regression analysis indicated that vested interest significantly predicted drug addiction tendency.