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

Abstract

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.

Notes

This research is based on a $50,000 research grant received from the VA Stars and Stripes (VISN 4) Healthcare Network. The authors also wish to acknowledge the CVAMC staff of wards 39A and 39B for their help and support in conducting this research. The content of this presentation does not represent the views of the Department of Veterans Affairs nor the United States Government.

^aPearson r represents all subjects (n = 256 for all comparisons except those involving child abuse, whose n = 245).

^bCorrelations greater than .13 are significant at p < .05; greater than .16 are significant at p < .01; greater than .22 are significant at p < .001.

^a F and p values refer to initial F and p values using only those independent variables left in the regression equation; n = 123.