Psychosocial strengths and needs of low-income substance abusers in recovery

Tamar Mendelson, Jacinda K. Dariotis, Deborah Agus

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Psychosocial heterogeneity among recovering substance users is not well understood. Cluster analysis was used to identify subgroups with distinct psychosocial profiles among a low-income sample attending a community recovery center (n = 151). Psychosocial characteristics assessed included depressive symptoms, perceived social support, self-efficacy, and coping. A 3-cluster solution explained the most variance in the constructs assessed (R2 = 0.72). The largest cluster (38.4% of the sample) was characterized as "distressed," with high emotional distress and few psychosocial resources. The second largest (34.2%) was characterized as "adjusted" because of its generally positive pattern of psychosocial functioning. The smallest (27.4%) was characterized as "resilient" because this cluster displayed emotional strengths despite low perceived social support. Findings have implications for tailoring interventions for this vulnerable population.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)19-34
Number of pages16
JournalJournal of Community Psychology
Volume41
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2013
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Social Psychology

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