The relationship between personality organisation and demoralisation in a group of alcohol-dependent individuals

Abstract

Introduction and objective: The term “demoralisation”, which was introduced by Jerome Frank, is used to describe a mental state in which a person has lost the fortitude and strength to endure the hardships associated with carrying out life tasks. According to Otto F. Kernberg’s concept, personality organisation is understood as a relatively stable pattern of functioning that determines the maintenance of internal balance and relationships with others. It was assumed that if personality structures become pathologised during development, it may result in the development of mental disorders. All diseases may be accompanied by a state of helplessness, powerlessness, along with a sense of meaninglessness and emptiness in life, which in turn makes recovery difficult. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between the dimensions of personality organisation and the demoralisation in a group of alcohol-dependent individuals, taking into account the perceived stress. Materials and methods: The study used the Inventory of Personality Organization, the Demoralization Scale II, the Restructured Clinical Demoralization scale from the MMPI-2 and the Distress Thermometer. A total of 91 alcohol-dependent individuals were assessed, including 65 (71%) men and 26 (29%) women. The average age of the participants was 43.6 years (standard deviation, SD = 12.92). Results: Positive correlations were found between personality dimensions and demoralisation and discouragement. Three clusters of people were identified among the respondents, which differed in the intensity of abnormalities in personality organisation and demoralisation. Conclusions: The presented results are part of the discussion on the importance of personality for the development and formation of demoralisation.