Self-esteem and Its Relationship to Serenity and Anger/Impulsivity in an Alcohol and Other Drug-Dependent Population: Implications for Treatment

摘要

This study assessed the relationships between self-esteem, serenity, and anger/impulsivity in a chronic alcohol and other drug (AOD) dependent population. Three hundred participants completed questionnaires addressed to substance abuse, self-esteem, serenity, anger/impulsivity, and other variables. Pearson rs of between .55 and .61 were found between self-esteem and serenity, anxiety, and anger/impulsivity. Regression analyses indicated that the self-esteem of chronic AOD-dependent individuals was best predicted by serenity, anger/impulsivity, stimulus control, anxiety, and child abuse; serenity and anger/impulsivity each accounted for about 25% of the relative variance. The results suggest that interventions aimed at not only reducing and controlling anger and impulsivity, but increasing feelings of serenity may be helpful in not only increasing self-esteem in this AOD-dependent population, but in fostering increased commitment during the action phase of the treatment program and possibly facilitating relapse prevention.