The Effects of American Sign Language on General Self-Efficacy and Anxiety Among Mothers in a Residential Rehabilitation Facility for Drug Addiction and Substance Abuse

Abstract

This experimental study tests the effects of an intervention where recovering illicit drug- and substance-abusing mothers were taught American Sign Language as a means for improving general self-efficacy and reducing state anxiety as related to parenting their infant/child. Findings demonstrated that the experimental group exhibited higher general self-efficacy and lower state anxiety. In essence, there was evidence of an increase in the mother's efficaciousness and a decrease in state anxiety.

KEYWORDS:

• illicit drugs
• substance abuse
• mothers
• rehabilitation
• American Sign Language
• self-efficacy
• anxiety