A Comparison of Self-Concepts of Chemically Dependent Women Before and After Treatment in a Hospital Alcoholic Unit in Des Moines, Iowa

Abstract

The self-concept of fifty chemically dependent women as reported on the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale before and after treatment is compared. A null hypothesis which stated that there is no difference in the total positive self-concept score before and after treatment among chemically dependent women in an alcoholic treatment unit in Des Moines, Iowa, was rejected. Descriptive data show that in each area of self concept, scores moved from a more deviant, negative self concept at the initial testing to a more normal self-concept at the second testing. The total positive score, representing a composite picture of the way one sees herself made a significant change. Statistical analysis on that scale reveal that women leave with an improvement in self concept and are generally happier, more confident, and self-fulfilling as individuals than upon admission.