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Women in treatment: changing over time
1Ramsey Clinic Department of Psychiatry, St. Paul, Minnesota.
The International Journal of the Addictions
|July 1, 1989
Summary
Cultural shifts in the 1970s impacted adolescent substance use. Younger women, exposed to these changes, showed different patterns of substance use, eating disorders, and abuse compared to older women.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Public Health
Background:
- The 1970s saw illicit drug experimentation shift from deviant to normative behavior among US adolescents.
- The feminist movement also resurged during this period, influencing societal norms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine how these cultural shifts influenced substance use patterns and mental health outcomes in women.
- To compare women who reached adulthood before and after these 1970s cultural changes.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 572 women from 21 treatment centers across 11 states was analyzed.
- Participants were divided into two groups: age 35 and over, and under 35.
- These age groups roughly corresponded to pre- and post-1970s cultural shift adulthood.
Main Results:
- Significant differences were observed between younger and older women regarding substance use patterns.
- Prevalence of eating disorders, childhood antisocial behaviors, and suicide attempts differed between the age groups.
- Experiences of abuse by boyfriends and spouses also varied significantly based on age group.
Conclusions:
- Adolescence during the 1970s cultural shifts is associated with distinct patterns of substance use and mental health issues in women.
- These findings highlight the long-term impact of societal changes on women's health and behavior.