Coping styles and relapse rates among patients with substance-induced psychotic disorders

Substance-induced psychotic disorders (SIPDs) are marked by high relapse rates, presenting ongoing challenges to mental health recovery. While considerable research has explored clinical and pharmacological predictors of relapse, the role of psychological variables particularly coping strategies has received less attention. This study investigated the relationship between coping styles and relapse frequency among patients diagnosed with SIPDs in Nigeria. Participants were 252 inpatients and outpatients (63% male), aged 20–59 years (M = 38.26; SD = 8.41), drawn from two Neuropsychiatric hospitals in southern Nigeria. They completed the Brief-COPE Inventory and provided relapse history data obtained through clinical records and self-report. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted using SPSS v22.0. Results revealed that the multiple regression model was statistically significant, F(3, 248) = 33.89, p < .001, accounting for approximately 29% of the variance in relapse frequency (Adjusted R² = .28). Problem-focused coping significantly predicted lower relapse frequency (β = –.21, p = .003), indicating a protective effect. Avoidant coping significantly predicted higher relapse frequency (β = .37, p < .001), identifying it as a key risk factor. These findings suggest that coping mechanisms, especially avoidant strategies, significantly influence relapse risk among individuals with SIPDs. The study emphasizes the need for psychosocial interventions that promote adaptive coping as part of relapse prevention strategies in clinical settings.