The Relationship of Shame, Emotional Well-being, Self-efficacy, and Substance Use Disorder Severity: An exploratory study among Latinos in correctional settings

Shame has been associated with a range of psychopathology, including substance use disorders (SUD). However, little is known about how shame could be related to emotional well-being, self-efficacy, and substance use severity. This study examines the possible relationship between internalized shame and emotional well-being, self-efficacy, and substance use severity among people living in prison. Three hundred-eleven participants (n=311) who were under criminal justice supervision at the time of the study were considered for this study. Internalized shame was significantly negatively associated with emotional well-being (r=.642, p<.001) and self-efficacy (r=.370, p<.001). Participants who reported higher levels of internalized shame also reported significantly more substance use disorder (SUD) symptoms (r=.329, p<.001) and met criteria for more SUD diagnoses (r=.226, p<.001). Results suggest internalized shame is related to poorer functioning and severity of SUDs. Shame has received meager attention in the SUD context, especially in vulnerable populations. Further research is required to elucidate the behavioral manifestations of shame in the well-being of people with SUDs.