EISENGER Greg J., WODARSKI John S., FERGUSON Deana
Journal article citation:
Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 19(7), October 2009, pp.915-931.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication:
Philadelphia, USA
... and MPSI scores was examined. Methamphetamine users differed significantly from non-users on the depression, partner, child and neighbour problems, aggression, fearfulness, ideas of reference, phobias, guilt, disturbed thinking, memory loss, and drug abuse subscales. These are therefore areas in which methamphetamine use seems to have the most impact on psychosocial functionality. Interesting findings
Methamphetamine abuse is a devastating problem that has reached epidemic proportion in many areas of the United States. Literature on the drug itself, its history, and its effects are reviewed. The study aimed to examine the psychosocial correlates of methamphetamine use using the Hudson's Multi-Problem Screening Inventory (MPSI). The MPSI assesses the following areas: depression; self-esteem; partner problems; sexual discord; child problems; mother problems; father problems; personal stress; friend problems; neighbour problems; school problems; aggression; problems with work associates; family problems; suicide; non-physical abuse; physical abuse; fearfulness; ideas of reference; phobia; guilt; work problems; confused thinking; disturbing thoughts; memory loss; alcohol abuse; and drug abuse. The MPSI was given to a control group consisting of 17 undergraduate social work students and a group of 15 past-year methamphetamine users. Differences between users and non-users were examined across the 27 domains of the MPSI, and subscales for which methamphetamine users exceeded the clinical cutting score were noted. In addition, the correlation between severity of craving for methamphetamine and MPSI scores was examined. Methamphetamine users differed significantly from non-users on the depression, partner, child and neighbour problems, aggression, fearfulness, ideas of reference, phobias, guilt, disturbed thinking, memory loss, and drug abuse subscales. These are therefore areas in which methamphetamine use seems to have the most impact on psychosocial functionality. Interesting findings regarding the control group are also discussed.
Subject terms:
interpersonal relationships, memory, phobias, psychosocial approach, aggression, depression, drug misuse;