Physical self-perception and Personality Traits among Women with Psychoactive Substance Abuse Compared to Normal Individuals

Abstract

Introduction:Regarding to the role of physical self-perception and personality traits in abuse of psychoactive substance among women, this study aimed to compare the concept of physical self-perception and personality traits among psychoactive substance abusers and normal individuals. Materials and Methods:In this causal-comparative study, 60 women (30 psychoactive substance abusers, 30 normal cases) referred to substance abuse treatment centers in Mashhad city (the second big-city of Iran) were selected in convenient sampling method. The Physical Self-Description Questionnaire (PSDQ) and NEO-Five Factor Test (Short Form) were performed. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis and two independent means tests.Results: Multivariate analysis revealed that women with psychoactive substance abuse have higher scores in neuroticism and lower scores in agreeableness, accountability and extraversion than normal women. The comparison of two independent means also showed that there is a significant difference between physical self-perception in normal and abusers, so that normal women have better physical self-perception. Conclusion:The results confirm that physical self-perception and personality traits play an important role in involvement in substance abuse.