Assertiveness and self-esteem: substance abusers.

Abstract

Assertion training has become a regular addition to inpatient treatments for alcohol and drug abusing patients. Although assertiveness training has proven therapeutic value, it seems to have been falsely assumed that substance abusers have an overall need for such training. A review of the literature reveals that the need for assertive training with substance abusers is generally based on conflicting data and questionable generalizations. The present study sought to identify a possible related component which inhibits substance abusers from behaving assertively. The study sample consisted of 20 drug abusers, 19 alcohol abusers, and 50 non-substance abusers. Each subject was administered the Rathus Assertiveness Schedule and the Texas Social Behavior Inventory, a measure of self-esteem. Tests were scored and various techniques were employed to assess the results. It was shown that: 1) alcoholics, as a group, are as assertive as non-substance abusers, 2) alcoholics have lower self-esteem than non-substance abusers: 3) drug abusers. as a group. are as assertive as non-substance abusers: 4) drug abusers have lower self-esteem than nonsubstance abusers: 5) a statistically significant correlation exists between assertiveness and self-esteem.