Comparison of Resilience, Self-efficacy, Hope and Optimism in Substance-Dependent Individuals and Normal Subjects

The aim of the present research was to compare resilience, self-efficacy, hope and optimism between substance-dependent individuals and normal subjects. In this research, a sample of 160 individuals (80 substance-dependent subjects reffering to addiction treatment centers in Shahrood and 80 normal subjects) were selected using convenient sampling according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants completed the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (2003), the Schwarzer and Jerusalem Generalized Self-Efficacy scale (1995), the Snyder's Hope Questionnaire (1991), and the Scheier & Carver Optimism Questionnaire (1985). Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). The results showed that there were significant differences between the two groups in resilience, self-efficacy, hope and optimism, so that substance-dependent individuals had significantly lower scores on resilience, self-efficacy, hope and optimism than normal subjects. It seems that tendency to use drugs can effectively be prevented by identifying protective factors including resilience, self-efficacy, hope and optimism as well as strengthening them in individuals.