Personality Traits of Alcohol-dependent Women

Abstract

Objectives The aim of the research is to study personality traits of alcohol-dependent women, to reveal the personality-related factors preconditioning the disease onset and distinctive features of the clinical course of alcohol dependence. Methods A group of 60 women (average age of 42,5) was examined using the structured interview method and personality test questionnaires – MMPI, TCI, BIG-5, WAIS. Results Labile, epileptoid, cycloid, and hysterical (histrionic) traits were prevalent in women under examination. According to the MMPI results, the average personality profile is characterized by high values on Scale 6 (Pt), Scale 8 (Sc), Scale 4 (Pd), while the values on Scale 10 (Si) and Scale 1 (HS) were low. The respondents can be described as disharmonious, prone to affective responses, and low conformity. As a rule, such women have poorly developed self-control, solve their problems in irrational ways, and sometimes lose touch with reality. They do not adhere to socially accepted norms of behavior and mostly reside in the world of their subjective experiences. Therewith, these women feel a deep need for support, attention and empathy. All of the above-mentioned prevents them from achieving success in their activities and causes an emotional distress relieved through alcohol consumption. They perceive alcohol as a means to cope with the problems. Conclusions Further study of personality traits of alcohol-dependent women along with consideration of biological and social factors will enable to determine the pathoplastic influence of the constitutional basis on the alcoholism clinical course. This will help to develop the methods of person-centered psychotherapy and to increase the efficiency of medical treatment.