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Interpersonal dependency, self-esteem and depression in primary alcoholism.
R Vrasti1, N Enasescu, C Poelinca
1Psychiatric Hospital, Jebel, Romania.
Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica
|October 1, 1988
Summary
Alcoholism and depression are linked, with lower self-esteem found in depressive alcoholics. Interpersonal dependency did not differ between groups, suggesting it may be influenced by drinking patterns.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
Background:
- Alcoholism and depression frequently co-occur, impacting patient outcomes.
- Personality traits like self-esteem and interpersonal dependency may mediate this relationship.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between alcoholism, depression, and personality traits.
- To differentiate alcoholics based on depressive symptoms and assess associated personality differences.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 52 individuals meeting criteria for primary alcoholism was assessed.
- Utilized the Zung Depression Self-rating Scale, Hirschfeld Interpersonal Dependency Scale, and Janis & Field Self-esteem Scale.
- Subjects were categorized into depressive and non-depressive alcoholic groups based on depression scores.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in interpersonal dependency were found between depressive and non-depressive alcoholics.
- Depressive alcoholics exhibited significantly lower scores on the self-esteem scale compared to non-depressive alcoholics.
- Self-esteem levels in alcoholics appear to be associated with secondary depression.
Conclusions:
- Low self-esteem in alcoholics may be a consequence of comorbid depression.
- Interpersonal dependency might be a result of the pathological drinking behavior itself.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the complex interplay between alcoholism, depression, and personality.