Body Image and Sex-Role Stereotype as Features of Addiction in Women

Abstract

Research with women addicted to alcohol or to opiates shows low body esteem and a negative view of the female role to be characteristics of this group. The present study examines the relation between body and role attitudes. When measures of each were compared with a control group of nonaddicted women, the addicted group was shown to hold significantly more negative attitudes, although socioeconomic status proved to be a confounding factor. The hypothesis that drug-taking behavior may be more likely when a woman perceives both her body and her sex role negatively was supported. Because a difference was found between the groups in the use of fantasy, it was speculated that treatment measures for addicted women might be more effective if this difference were considered.