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Personality Construct Among Patients With Substance Use Disorder: An Explanatory Study In Pakistan


Article Information

Title: Personality Construct Among Patients With Substance Use Disorder: An Explanatory Study In Pakistan

Authors: Maham Rasheed, Mirrat Gul Butt, Quratulain Izhar, Masooma Rasheed

Journal: International Journal of Innovations in Science & Technology

HEC Recognition History
Category From To
Y 2024-10-01 2025-12-31
Y 2023-07-01 2024-09-30
Y 2021-07-01 2022-06-30

Publisher: 50SEA JOURNALS (SMC-PRIVATE) LIMITED

Country: Pakistan

Year: 2022

Volume: 4

Issue: 6

Language: English

Keywords: Personality TraitsPersonality Constructs Substance Use DisorderDrugs

Categories

Abstract

Objective: Many researches defined the critical predictors and significant risk factors associated with various substance use behaviors, revealing the personality traits as important determinants. Thus, the present study aimed to explore the personality constructs of individuals with a history of substance use disorder in Pakistan.
Method: The Qualitative Study was conducted through purposive sampling by selecting the professionals (psychiatrists=9, clinical psychologists=4, patients with SUD = 5) with having a minimum of 5 years to a maximum of 29 years of experience working with substance use disorder patients and participants with the history of at least three years of diagnosis. A total of 18 semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine (N=13) mental health professionals and five (N=05) patients with substance use disorder. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed by independent researchers. The transcripts were analyzed using a systematic approach that incorporates inductive thematic analysis.
Results: The themes that emerged after analyses were combined under the main three headings: Social, Cultural and Psychological/individual factors. The main results indicated that authoritative parenting style, family lifestyles, pleasure-seeking, enhanced energy, dependent personality traits, emotional instability and conflicting interpersonal relationship lead to substance use which can be addressed through early intervention.


Research Objective

To explore the personality constructs of individuals with a history of substance use disorder in Pakistan.


Methodology

A descriptive qualitative research design was employed using purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 9 psychiatrists, 4 clinical psychologists, and 5 patients with substance use disorder (SUD) in Pakistan. A total of 18 interviews were conducted and audio-recorded. The data was transcribed, translated into English, and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.

Methodology Flowchart
                        graph TD;
    A[Recruit Participants Psychiatrists, Psychologists, SUD Patients] --> B[Conduct Semi-structured Interviews];
    B --> C[Audio-record Interviews];
    C --> D[Transcribe and Translate Interviews];
    D --> E[Perform Inductive Thematic Analysis];
    E --> F[Identify Major Themes and Sub-themes];
    F --> G[Interpret Findings];
    G --> H[Formulate Conclusion and Recommendations];                    

Discussion

The study highlights that personality traits observed early in adolescence, such as lower conscientiousness and higher neuroticism, are risk factors for developing SUD. Family factors, including lack of warmth, emotional expression, a safe environment, weak parent-child attachment, and parental monitoring, are crucial. Low self-esteem was also strongly linked to substance use. The findings suggest that societal acceptance and risky behaviors to gain it can be early warning signs.


Key Findings

Three major themes emerged: Social Factors (drive for autonomy, perceived social isolation, impulsive behavior, negative reinforcement), Cultural Factors (dependent traits, risky behaviors, interpersonal dependency, suppression of emotions, enhanced energy), and Psychological Factors (low self-esteem, implicative dilemmas, self-blaming, lack of coping strategies, minimal tolerance level, moodiness). Authoritative parenting, family lifestyles, pleasure-seeking, dependent personality traits, emotional instability, and conflicting interpersonal relationships were identified as leading to substance use, suggesting the need for early intervention.


Conclusion

Personality factors, including depressive and mood shifts, low self-esteem, and social factors, are significant in individuals with SUD in Pakistan. Addressing family issues, interpersonal conflicts, and improving communication skills are essential. Identifying personality constructs within the Pakistani cultural context can aid in developing management plans for early warning signs to reduce the prevalence of SUD.


Fact Check

- The study was published in the International Journal of Innovations in Science & Technology in September 2022.
- A total of 18 semi-structured interviews were conducted with 9 psychiatrists, 4 clinical psychologists, and 5 patients with SUD.
- The World Health Organization indicated that over a quarter of individuals aged 15-19 years suffer from SUD.


Mind Map

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