Relationship between hope and social support among college students and individuals with substance abuse.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was threefold. First, it sought to determine what relationship existed between hope and social support. Second, it investigated the relationship between substance abuse and/or dependency and its effect on hope and social support. To assess these variables, the Hope Scale and the Social Support Questionnaire (Short Form) were administered to 26 individuals identified as substance dependent and 25 participants not identified as substance dependent. It was hypothesized that a positive relationship existed between hope and social support. In addition, it was hypothesized that individuals identified as substance abusing/dependent would have low hope and inadequate social support compared to individuals not identified as substance dependent. Results supported each hypothesis indicating that substance dependent participants had lower levels of hope and perceived having fewer social supports than those not identified as chemically dependent. There are several suggestions for future research.