Objective: The present research aimed to compare defense mechanisms, early maladaptive schemas, and self-concept between individuals with and without drug dependence. Method: The present research was causal-comparative. A number of 80 people of individuals referring to drug independent and outpatient treatment centers in the city of Rasht were selected by non-probability and purposeful sampling method and answered the questionnaires of early maladaptive schemas (short form), the defense styles, and the self-concept. Results: The results showed that there was a significant difference between individuals with and without drug dependence in the studied variables so that drug-dependent individuals had significantly higher scores on the subscales of mental ability, physical attractiveness, and social skills, as well as significantly lower scores on the subscales of job efficiency and pros and cons than drug-independent individuals. In addition, the drug-dependent group scored significantly higher only on neurotic defense mechanisms than the normal group, and no significant difference was found between them in immature and mature mechanisms. Finally, the drug-dependent group scored significantly higher than the normal group on the subscales of disconnection and rejection, impaired autonomy and performance, impaired limits, and over-vigilance and inhibition, but no significant difference was observed in the other-directedness subscale between the two groups. Conclusion: Weak dimensions of self-concept, the use of neurotic defense mechanisms, and higher levels of early maladaptive schemas can be possible high-risk factors underlying individuals’ tendency to drug use.
Type of Study:
Research |
Subject:
General Received: 2021/08/1 | Accepted: 2023/05/22 | Published: 2023/06/9