title: Social problem-solving abilities and personality disorder characteristics among dual-diagnosed persons in substance abuse treatment.
abstract: We examined the relation of self-appraised social problem-solving abilities and personality-disorder characteristics to the adjustment and compliance of persons with dual diagnoses in substance-abuse treatment. It was hypothesized that elements of the problem-orientation component would remain predictive of depressive behavior and distress after considering personality-disorder characteristics among 117 persons receiving inpatient-substance-abuse treatment. Furthermore, self-appraised problem-solving abilities were expected to predict the occurrence of "dirty" drug and alcohol screens during treatment and compliance with the first scheduled community follow-up visit. Results supported predictions concerning the relation of problem-solving confidence to depressive behavior, distress, and substance-use screens; however, a paradoxical relation was observed between the problem-orientation variables and compliance with the first outpatient visit. The results are interpreted within the context of contemporary models of social problem solving and the implications for cognitive-behavioral assessment and intervention are considered.
authors.affiliation: Central State Hospital, Virginia Commonwealth University, USA.
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Herrick
authors.forename: T R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Elliott
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D017831:Diagnosis, Dual (Psychiatry); D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D010555:Personality Inventory; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011340:Problem Solving; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012919:Social Behavior; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation*