Meeting abstract

https://doi.org/10.24869/spsih.2026.274

Personality Traits, Choice of Psychoactive Substances, and Changes in Psychological Profile During Treatment in a Therapeutic Community

Petra Tokić ; Mental Health Service, Teaching Institute for Public Health, Split-Dalmatia County, Vukovarska 46, 21000 Split, Croatia *
Tomislav Franić ; Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Split, Spinčićeva 1, 21000 Split, Croatia; School of Medicine, University of Split, Šoltanska 2, 21000 Split, Croatia
Frane Franić ; School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 2, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

Research aims: To examine the association of personality
traits assessed by the Minnesota Multiphasic
Personality Inventory–2 (MMPI-2) with the
choice of psychoactive substances and psychiatric
comorbidity in individuals with addiction, and
to evaluate changes in psychological functioning
during treatment. It is assumed that specific
personality traits are associated with the choice
of psychoactive substances, psychiatric comorbidity,
and changes in psychological profile during
treatment. Materials and methods: The study will include users of the Therapeutic Community
“Pope John XXIII.” Data will be collected during
2026 and 2027 at its branches. At admission, the
MMPI-2, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Personality
Assessment Inventory (PAI), and a structured
questionnaire for collecting sociodemographic and
clinical data will be administered, along with information
on the use of psychoactive substances,
including duration of addiction, hospitalizations,
relapses, and psychotic decompensations. The
relationship between personality traits, type of
psychoactive substance, and psychiatric comorbidity
will be analyzed, and after 6–12 months,
participants will be retested to assess changes
during treatment. Statistical analysis: Descriptive
statistics, regression models, mediation analysis,
and mixed linear models will be used. Results will
be presented with 95% confidence intervals, and
statistical significance will be set at p < 0.05. Expected
results: It is expected that elevated scores
on the MMPI-2 scales of depression, hypomania,
psychopathic deviance, schizophrenia, and social
introversion will be associated with specific
types of psychoactive substances and psychiatric
comorbidity. Furthermore, a mediating effect of
the type of psychoactive substance is assumed in
the relationship between personality traits and
psychiatric comorbidity, as well as an association
between personality profiles and the course and
outcomes of treatment. During follow-up, reductions
in scores on the depression, psychasthenia,
paranoia, and schizophrenia scales are anticipated,
with these changes expected to be associated with
better retention in the program and fewer relapses.
Conclusion: Understanding the links between
personality traits, the choice of psychoactive substances,
psychiatric comorbidity, and treatment
outcomes may contribute to the development of
individualized approaches in addiction treatment.

Keywords

personality; character; addiction; comorbidity; psychoactive substances

Hrčak ID:

352962

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/352962

Publication date:

15.6.2026.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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