A comparison between volunteer drug-abusers and non-drug-abusers on measures of social skills

This study assessed specific behavior patterns of volunteering "had" drug-abusers in comparison to non-drug-abusers on self-report and behavioral measures of social skills. It was hypothesized that the individual's behavior is affected both by his group affiliation and by the immediate situational variables. Twelve drug-abusers and 12 university students were asked to interact with trained role-players in simulated social situations geared to elicit assertiveness and heterosexual dating behaviors. Task requirements as well as environmental social consequences (role-player's responses) were manipulated. Contingent on the situation type, both groups demonstrated basically the same level of social efficiency on verbal measures, but showed different performances on nonverbal measures. Preferential social interaction responses were found to be affected by the varied environmental feedback. The relevance of an "interactionist" approach to research on drug abuse and some crucial methodological factors are discussed.