8342937132

H.M. ABDULLAH AL-HADI AND M.T. MOHD NASIR

TABLEl

Frcquency distribution of levelof self-esteem

lx*velof self-esteem	Drug-uscrs	Non-drug users	Total
l .ow	163 (89.1%)	70 (35.0%)	233
High	20 (10.9%)	130 (65.0%)	150
Tota!	183 (100%)	200 (100%)	N=383

Chi square = 116.634; p = 0.01; phi cocflicicnt = 0.552

(89.1 %) whcreashigh self-esteem characterizeda majorityof the non-drug users (65%) aswasshown in Labie 1.

A hypothesis that was related to ihe objective of the smdy was formulated to be tested. This hypothesis was.

11₍₎: the level of the self-esteem of drug users cquals that of non-drug users.

The above hypothesis was tested using the t-test. The test resulted in the rejection of the nuli hypothesisabove (Tablę2). Thisshowed that the level of the self-esteem of drug users before the initiation of drug use was significantly lower than the level of the self-esteem of non-drug users.

TABLE2

Self-esteem mean score by type of drug users

Respondent	Self-esteem mean score	Standard deviation
Drug users	37.825	5.037
(n= 183)
Non-drug users	57.550	24.384
(n=200)

t= 10.7326; p=0.05

The above finding provided sonie support for the suggestion forwarded by Brehm and Bec k (1968) that individua!s with Iow self-esteem may, under certain conditions, be predisposed to drug use. It was also consistent with studies carried out by Kapłan (1975b) and Samuelsand Samuels (1974) who reported that Iow self-esteem was one of the major factors associated with drug use. However. resultsof the present study contradicted studies by JessorandJessor (1977) and Kandel (1978),which

reported no association between self-esteem an< drug use.    i

CONCLUSION

The results reported in this study have certaii implicationson both theetiology of drug use ant the treatmentofdrug-depenclent individuals. Wili respect to theetiology of drug use, individualswh are lacking in self-esteem and exposed to drug constituteahigh riskgroup. Preventive measurt should be carried out by the relevantauthoritie$J plan and implement programmes that can develq andaugment the cjualitiesof high self-esteem suci as self-satisfaction, self-cofidcnce, and self-woni for this high risk group. Examples of thes programmes include "Kemjayadiri” (Self-succd Camps) and “Kem Membina Semangai programmes (Self-development Camps). The* programmes can provide positive challengesan self-growth through the development of se! discipline and self-awareness among the: participants. The programmes can becarriedou in schoolsandyouth trainingeenters throughot the country.

Parentscan alsoplayarolein the developmer of high self-esteem of their children. Amongth measures that can be carried out by parentsar effective com m unication, t he provision of adequat love, affection, and discipline, and regular faini activities.

Ihe relevant authorities should also ii dudę those individuals who are already endotj ed with a high self-esteem in their preventive pn grammes. I he high self-esteem among thescir dividuals should be maintained and furthr augmented. Measures can also be carried outi select these high self-esteem individualsasgrou-leaders or coordinators in the various progran mes. Their role as leaders can further enhanc their self-worth, self-cliscipline and sd confidence.

I hefindingsfrom this study also baveimplu tions on rehabilitation programmes for drug? diets. A form oftherapydirected toward enhancir self-esteem may be implemented in the rehabilii tionofdrugaddicts. ColeetaL (1969) utilisedth forniof therapyon delincjuent females with soi^ success. I his therapy can be adopted at the lot level and should include trainingin leadershipd¹' skillsan self-discipline.    j

REFERENCES

Abduuah Al-Hadi Haji Muh/\med and Mohd W

90 PERTANIK.A VOL. 14 NO.!. 1991