Self and Ideal Self-Concept in a Drug-Using Subculture

Summary

This study explores the self and ideal self-concepts of 43 drug users and 39 non-drug users via Leary's Interpersonal Checklist. Both groups had ideals characterized as high in Love and Dominance. The drug group was higher both in self and ideal description on the Rebellious-Distrustful and lower on the Managerial-Autocratic dimension. There was also less discrepancy between the self and ideal-self ratings for the drug group. They idealized more hostility than did the non-drug group, reflecting perhaps a more cynical outlook or one more acceptant of personal anger.