Self-concept and abstinence motivation in male drug addicts: Coping style as a mediator

Abstract

Abstinence motivation is an important psychological factor in staving off a relapse in synthetic drug addiction. We explored the psychological factors that affect abstinence motivation among 732 male drug addicts in China. Participants answered a survey comprising the Tennessee SelfConcept Scale, the Stress Coping Style Questionnaire, and the Drug Abstinence Motivation Scale. Results show significantly positive correlations among self-concept, coping style, and abstinence motivation. Coping style played a mediating role between self-concept and abstinence motivation, that is, self-concept affects abstinence motivation by influencing the coping style. Results have practical implications for substance abuse treatment in Mainland China by illustrating a focus on the fostering of a positive self-concept and coping style in the face of stress to enhance abstinence motivation and reduce the relapse rate.