Emotion regulation and addictive behaviors

Drawing from self-determination theory, my colleagues and I are examining the link between emotion regulation (defined from a motivational perspective) and addictive behaviors.

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Interpersonal relationship quality and addictive behaviors

We are exploring the following research questions. First, do assumptions embedded within self-determination theory help us understand the poor relationship quality reported by those struggling with addiction? Second, which facet of attachment theory (e.g., anxious, avoidant, or a combination) will help us understand addictive behaviors?

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Problematic financial trading (e.g., day trading, OTC trading, cryptocurrency trading)

Gambling is defined as placing something of value at risk in hopes of gaining something of greater value in return. However, we have often excluded financial trading from this definition because it is perceived as an “investing” versus gambling. Nonetheless, research has found a link between specific trading behaviors and problem gambling. This project attempts to define “problematic financial trading behaviors” and assess its unique link to mental health problems beyond that of problem gambling.

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Examining the link between life-threatening behaviors (e.g., non-suicidal self-injury and suicidal behaviors) and behavioral addictions

Research has shown that behavioral addictions are associated with life-threatening behaviors. However, only a subset of those struggling with behavioral addiction report engaging in life-threatening behaviors. As such, what explains the difference between those who do and do not report life-threatening behaviors among those struggling with behavioral addictions? Furthermore, at a broader level, what mechanism explains the relationship between behavioral addictions and life-threatening behaviors?