Dependency-personality traits in substance dependants

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation of personality traits and dependency in order to learn which traits have more meaning in terms of dependence as explained by the 16 Personality Factor Inventory (16PF). The study proceeded according to the psychoanalytic theory of Sigmund Freud, who attributed most of life 's problems to shortcomings, trauma, conflicts and other experiences in childhood. The oral psycho-sexual stage of developments was particularly significant in the description of the problem of substance dependence in this study. The data was collected with prior agreement from an alcohol- and drug rehabilitation clinic in Pretoria. Protocols of the 16 Personality Factor inventory were made available to the researcher and the following primary factors were used in the study: Warmth, intelligence, ego strength, impulsivity, group conformity, boldness, emotional sensitivity and suspiciousness. The study essentially used a non-probability design with features of a quasi experiment. Factor correlation revealed certain correlations with other factors and it seemed as if certain combinations with other factors could have played a role in the forming and upkeep of alcohol dependency (ref.5.5). The main finding of the study was that certain personality factors played an important role in substance dependency and should therefore be included in the aetiology.