Attachment Style, Emotional Maturity and Self-Esteem among Adults with and Without Substance Abuse

Abstract

The present study focuses on determining the difference between adults with and without substance abuse in their attachment style, emotional maturity and self-esteem and also whether there is gender difference in them. For the study, sample comprised of 80 participants, i.e. 40 substance abusers and 40 substance non abusers in which 20 males and 20 females of 18 – 30 years from both the group were taken as sample. The primary reason of the study was that substance abuse is a persistent problem that many people suffer from and it is inexorably a growing issue that leads to social and economic influences. The results showed that there was significant difference among adults who abuse substances and who did not abuse substances. Participants who did not abuse substances showed secure attachment pattern, high emotional stability and high self-esteem as compared to participants who abuse substances. Also there was a significant gender difference in secure attachment pattern in non-abusers and in insecure attachment pattern in substance abusers. Females in comparison to males were more emotional stable in both the groups. No significant difference was seen in the self-esteem of males and females. The study provides an opportunity for further research across age and sub-divisions of the variables to uncover the possible differences or similarities that may be present.