ADDICTION POTENTIAL AMONG IRANIAN GOVERNMENTAL EMPLOYEES: PREDICTING ROLE OF PERCEIVED STRESS, JOB SECURITY, AND JOB SATISFACTION

Abstract

Aim/Purpose To explore the incidence of addiction potential within the Iranian public work-ing population, describing how many Iranian public employees fall within the diagnostic categories of low, moderate, and high addiction potential. Also, to in-vestigate the predicting role of occupational variables such as perceived stress, job security, and job satisfaction on addiction potential and belonging to low, moderate, and high addiction potential diagnostic categories. Background Substance addiction among employees can lead to several negative conse-quences at the individual and organizational levels. Also, it is the fourth cause of death in Iran. However, few studies have been conducted on the topic among employees, and non among Iranian employees. Methodology The study participants were 430 employees working in governmental offices of the North Khorasan province, Iran. Descriptive statistical analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were conducted to explore the incidence of addiction potential within the analyzed population and to investigate whether occupa-tional variables such as perceived stress, job security, and job satisfaction pre-dicted low, moderate, or high addiction potential. Contribution This paper suggests that perceived stress might act as a risk factor for develop-ing addiction, whereas job security and job satisfaction might be protective fac-tors against the likelihood of addiction development. Findings More than half of the sample showed moderate to high addiction potential. Perceived stress was positively related to addiction potential. Job security and job satisfaction were negatively related to addiction potential. Recommendations for Practitioners Managers and policymakers may find a valuable strategy to reduce employees’ substance addiction risks in the design, development, and implementation of in-itiatives and interventions that prevent or reduce perceived stress and improve job satisfaction and job security. Recommendations for Researchers When addressing the topic of substance addiction, researchers should focus on the preventative side of investigating it; that is, addiction risk rather than already unfolded addiction. Also, researchers should be mindful of the cultural context in which studies are conducted. Impact on Society Substance addiction threatens the sustainability of communities and societies worldwide. Providing applied psychological findings, this paper can inform the broader public and help individuals, groups, communities, and institutions to address this issue in a science-based fashion. Future Research Future research might investigate other relevant occupational predictors in rela-tion to employee addiction potential, such as leadership style, work-life balance, and worktime schedule, or expand on the relevant causal chain by including per-sonality traits such as neuroticism.