This study aims to analyze maladaptive schemas through the Young Schema Questionnaire—Short Form 3 among 895 high school students, with an average age of 18.15 years, in relation to the potentially traumatic experience of being the victim of violence inflicted by family members through hitting and beating and in connection with violent behavior (in and outside school). Almost half of the students reported that, in their families, there were prolonged problems in the couple relationship of their parents/caregivers, and almost 40% of these students were involved from time to time in at least one form of violence in or outside school, with the highest share of this violence resulting from physical aggression by hitting and pushing and verbal or emotional abuse. A factor analysis was performed using a unifactorial model and a mediation model, and it indicated that the presence of trauma increases the total violence score. A higher violence score was recorded in students who were subjected to family violence (t(890) = −6.267, p < 0.001). The schemas that proved to be the most relevant for the violence factor were those of Punitiveness (PU: 0.89) and Mistrust/Abuse (MA: 0.77), followed by the schemas of Emotional Inhibition (EI: 0.68), Unrelenting Standards/Hypercriticalness (US: 0.63), and Entitlement/Grandiosity (ET: 0.58). The mediation that the Punitiveness schema achieves between victimization in the family and subsequent aggressive behavior is based on the internalization of the punitive parental figure and the victim’s development of the belief that violence is the only answer when others do not meet their expectations.

Objectives. The aim of the study was to explore the scientific literature on the variability of executive functions and emotional regulation in substance users, and based on it, one can formulate prevention and intervention strategies in order to reduce substance use. Methodology. Using the APA PsycNet and Scopus platforms, cross-sectional and longitudinal studies investigating executive functions and emotional regulation in illicit drug users aged 18 years and older were searched. From a total of 1073 articles, 64 relevant studies published between 2002-2023 were selected. Results. Use of opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine and cannabis was associated with significant deficits in executive functions and emotional regulation. Opioid users showed major difficulties in decision-making and learning, and cocaine users showed deficits in cognitive control. Cognitive flexibility and working memory were impaired in methamphetamine users, and cannabis use was associated with cognitive and emotional deficits. Targeted interventions, such as Cognitive Remediation Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy, have shown improvements in neurocognitive function and reductions in substance use. Conclusions. Executive functions and emotional regulation are impaired by drug use with variability influenced by the type of substance used and severely impaired in poly-drug use. Following substance use remission, executive function deficits and difficulties in emotional regulation improved. Personalized interventions that specifically address each individual’s cognitive and emotional deficits are needed. Keywords: emotional regulation, executive functions, drug use, addiction, psychological interventions

(1) Background: Criminogenic cognitions can influence criminal behavior and recidivism. The validation of the Criminogenic Cognitions Scale (CCS) within the cultural and social context of Romanian offenders, along with an understanding of their profiles, is essential for the development of effective rehabilitation. (2) Methods: The CCS was administered to 460 inmates across eight Romanian prisons, with the respondents having a mean age of 39.23 (SD 10.36; range 21–71). Data were analyzed using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and the Kruskal–Wallis test. (3) Results: The Non-Acceptance of Responsibility (FAR) subscale had the highest internal consistency (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.707), followed by Notions of Entitlement (NOE) (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.683). The Negative Attitudes Toward Authority (NATA) subscale was considered valid with caution (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.529). The highest FAR scores were observed among inmates convicted of sexual offenses, those who were widowed, and those with lower education levels. Higher scores were recorded on all scales for inmates who identified as drug users and those who perceived their punishment as unjust (p < 0.05). (4) Conclusions: The CCS is valid in the Romanian context, and the variability of criminogenic cognitions based on education level, type of offense, and perception of punishment should be considered when implementing rehabilitative measures.

(1) Background. Substance use disorders are frequently associated with difficulties in emotion regulation and the use of ineffective coping strategies. (2) Methods. A total of 201 participants undergoing specialized treatment for substance use disorders in Romania completed the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) and the Strategic Approach to Coping Scale (SACS). Statistical analyses included independent samples t-tests, Pearson correlations, path analysis, and linear regression. (3) Results. Participants with more severe substance use (history of hospitalization, detoxification treatment, and polysubstance use) exhibited significantly higher levels of emotion regulation difficulties. The latent factor DIFFICULTY was predicted by two correlated SACS predictors: Assertive Action (AA) and Antisocial Action (AS). Substance type differentially influenced DERS dimensions. The strongest correlation with the total DERS score was observed for antisocial action. (4) Conclusions. Emotion regulation and coping optimization are key targets in the treatment of substance use disorders, reflecting persistent difficulties in effectively managing emotions despite cognitive awareness. Social support may function as both an adaptive and maladaptive mechanism in this clinical context.

1)Background. Substance use disorders are frequently associated with difficulties in emotion regulation and the use of ineffective coping strategies. 2)Methods. A total of 201 participants undergoing specialized treatment for substance use disorders in Romania completed the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) and the Strategic Approach to Coping Scale (SACS). Statistical analyses included independent samples t-tests, Pearson correlations, path analysis, and linear regression. 3)Results. Participants with more severe substance use (history of hospitalization, detoxification treatment, and polysubstance use) exhibited significantly higher levels of emotion regulation difficulties. The Impulse dimension was a significant predictor of antisocial (β = .52) and aggressive coping strategies (β = .46). Assertive action and seeking social support were associated with lower DERS scores. Substance type differentially influenced DERS dimensions. The strongest correlation with the total DERS score was observed for seeking social support. 4)Conclusions. Emotion regulation and coping optimization are key targets in the treatment of substance use disorders, reflecting persistent difficulties in effectively managing emotions despite cognitive awareness. Social support may function as both an adaptive and maladaptive mechanism in this clinical context.

Introduction. This study examines the coping mechanisms, emotional factors, and family contexts that influence substance use and violent behavior among adolescents. Methods and Materials. The research draws on 27 semi-structured interviews with 18-year-old students from 11 counties in Romania. A thematic content analysis was performed through an inductive approach, involving open coding of meaning units and the extraction of key themes related to substance use, violence, and emotional regulation strategies. Results. The analysis identified three main themes concerning substance use and violent behavior. Adolescents’ narratives suggested that drug use often served as a coping response to academic stress, family instability, and a lack of emotional support. Conflictual parental relationships—particularly paternal absence and exposure to domestic violence—were associated with early initiation of substance use and the development of maladaptive coping strategies, including alcohol consumption, drug use, and violent behavior. Participants also described positive emotional self-regulation strategies, such as engaging in sports or withdrawing from conflicts; however, these strategies appeared insufficiently developed to effectively prevent substance use. Conclusions. Substance use among adolescents reflects a response to chronic stress, family trauma, and exposure to violence. The quality of relationships, particularly within the family, serves as both a risk and protective factor for problematic behaviors. Strengthening the protective aspects of these relationships could reduce the likelihood of antisocial behaviors among adolescents. Effective interventions should address adolescents’ multidimensional emotional and social vulnerabilities to prevent the onset of risk behaviors. Keywords: adolescence, drug use, violence, emotional regulation, coping strategies.