Failure-Related State Orientation and Self-Esteem Change in Inpatient Addiction Treatment for Illicit Drug Addiction

Abstract Previous research suggests that addiction to illegal drugs is associated with low self-esteem. State orientation has likewise been identified as a potential risk factor for diminished self-esteem. Inpatient addiction treatment aims to improve coping with self-esteem-threatening influences. We therefore hypothesized that AOF would be associated with lower self-esteem and that self-esteem would increase over the course of treatment. In a 24-week German inpatient addiction program, AOF was assessed at treatment entry, and multidimensional self-esteem (MSWS) was measured at baseline and discharge. Linear mixed-effects models tested time, AOF, and time × AOF effects, controlling age and gender. Of N = 261 enrolled rehabilitants, n = 134 completed treatment and were included in longitudinal analyses. Emotional, social, and body-related self-esteem increased significantly over treatment; performance-related self-esteem did not. Higher AOF was associated with lower emotional, social, and body-related self-esteem across time points. Time × AOF interactions were non-significant. Future research should examine strategies to further strengthen self-esteem in state-oriented individuals.