[The alcoholic's self-image: a comparative study between men and women]

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Addiction Studies
• Sociology

Background:

• Self-image is a critical issue in alcoholism, often linked to behavioral problems.
• Previous research indicates alcoholics have lower self-image than non-alcoholics, but studies are limited and dated.
• Societal perceptions of alcoholism have evolved, potentially influencing self-image, especially for women.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and compare the self-image of alcoholics versus non-alcoholics.
• To investigate differences in self-image between male and female alcoholics.
• To test hypotheses that alcoholics have poorer self-image, and female alcoholics have poorer self-image than males.

Main Methods:

• Two groups of 30 subjects (alcoholics and non-alcoholics) were recruited.
• The Tennessee Self Concept Scale and Self Esteem Inventory were administered.
• Additional tests controlled for depression and socio-demographic factors.

Main Results:

• Alcoholics demonstrated a significantly more negative self-image across multiple domains (identity, self-satisfaction, behavior, physical, moral-ethical, personal, family, social self).
• Alcoholics exhibited higher self-criticism than the control group.
• Female alcoholics reported lower self-image than male alcoholics in specific areas like self-satisfaction and social self, but higher in others such as identity and family self.

Conclusions:

• The study confirms alcoholics generally possess a negative and generalized self-image.
• Evolving societal views on alcoholism appear to positively influence self-esteem, particularly for female alcoholics.
• While female alcoholics' self-image remains more negative than males', it is converging towards that of male alcoholics.