The Comparison between personality factors, problem-solving styles and the amount of experienced stress among drugdependent individuals and normal individuals

Studies have well documented the relationship between personality factors, stressful life events and problem-solving style with substance abuse. According to this, the aim of present study is comparison of healthy group with substance abuser in each of these variables. This is a causal-Comparative study. The population of this study were the drug dependents that admitted to addiction centers in Tabriz. 50 patients were selected between them. Control group were selected among the staff of Tabriz University. All subjects were asked to complete the Problem Solving Styles Inventory, NEO-FFI-R, and Life stress scale. Data were analyzed by MANOVA and t- test. Our findings showed there is a significant difference between healthy group and drug dependent in all factors of personality but agreeableness (p<0.05). There was also a significant difference between healthy group and drug dependent in problem solving test score and amount of experienced stress (p<0.01). Drug-dependent patients have a particular personality profile that vulnerable them in coping with stress. Furthermore the problem-solving styles used by drug dependent are more inefficient and unconstructive.