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Adult substance use and receptivity to intervention in that use
Abstract
Three models of substance use and receptivity to intervention in that use were tested using a LISREL analysis in order to determine the adequacy of each model as well as the interrelationships between the variables. The first model was constructed of variables, and corresponding data, chosen to represent psychodynamic concepts, such as those measured by the MMPI. The second model was constructed of variables, and corresponding data, chosen to represent cognitive behavioral concepts, such as positive expectations as measured by the Alcohol Expectancy Questionnaire and negative consequences as measured by the Alcohol Use Inventory. The third model combined the variables included in each of the first two models. Both the overall fit of each model and the structural path coefficients between the variables were examined. All three models provided good overall fit for the data included in each respective analysis. In addition, hypothesized relationships between variables held, with the exception of those involving the exogenous variables hysteria, introversion, and health preoccupations. Paths from the first two variables failed to reach significance and they were, therefore, dropped from analysis. The path from the third variable was in the opposite direction from that hypothesized. Psychodynamic variables were found to be most potent in predicting a tendency toward substance abuse. However, the strength of continuing positive expectations for the benefits of that use was the most powerful predictor of actual use of substances. Conversely, the extent to which a person has attributed negative consequences to substance use was clearly the strongest predictor of receptivity to intervention, a critical component of motivation to change. That is, until persons have made a cognitive connection between their use of substances and the problems which result from that use, it can be expected that they will continue to use. Implications for alcohol and other drug treatment programs are discussed. Further research is needed to determine the influence of such demographic variables as age, gender, culture, and socioeconomic status, as well as the influence of other variables, such as gender role identification and type of substance used.
Subject Area
Educational psychology|Health education|Academic guidance counseling
Recommended Citation
Kuhnel, Nancy L, "Adult substance use and receptivity to intervention in that use" (1993). ETD collection for University of Nebraska-Lincoln. AAI9402396.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissertations/AAI9402396