Self- and ideal-self-perception of drug addicts in therapeutic communities

Ninety-one drug addicts from four residential treatment centers completed a 50-item rating scale for self and ideal self. Factor analysis of their responses revealed two five-factor solutions. As hypothesized, residents who had been in the centers for 10 months or more had higher self-esteem than residents in treatment for shorter periods. They also saw themselves as less pawnlike and were less self-critical. Primary dimensions of the residents' view of ideal self were Pawn and Self-criticism. Implications for program intake procedures, treatment techniques, and goals; criteria for success and failure; and community roles are discussed.