Structure and level of actualization of patients with alcohol dependence in different periods of remission

The psychometric research results of self-actualization of alcoholics are presented in the article. They are 93 men being at different stages of remission (according to criteria of the International Classification of Illnesses-10, 1995): ‘abstinence’ (n=26), ‘early remission’ (n=16), ‘partial remission’ (n=15), ‘total remission’ (n=36). To study the multidimensional phenomenon of self-actualization the adapted questionnaire of personal orientations by E. Shostrom (L.Y. Gozman and the co-authors, 1995) has been used. The original psychodiagnostic "test on self-actualization" consists of the following scales: "Orientation in time" measures the ability of a person to live in the present and be aware of life."Support" measures relative independence of one's own beliefs, actions, the freedom of choice that are not confronted with the outside world."Values orientation" measures the separation of values of self-actualizing, developing personality."The scale of the flexibility of behavior" measures the ability to respond rapidly and appropriately to the changing conditions and implement one's values in the society."The scale of sensitivity" measures the ability to reflect on one's feelings."The scale of spontaneity" measures spontaneous expression of one's feelings."The scale of self-respect" measures self-respect of a human being for their strengths and positive qualities."The scale of self-acceptance" measures the feeling of peace with oneselves."The scale of ideas about human nature" measures a person's tendency to positive perception. "The synergy scale " measures holistic perception of the world and people."The scale of acceptance of aggression" measures the perception of aggression as a natural manifestation of the human nature."The scale of ability to contact" measures the establishment of deep and emotionally charged contacts with other people."The scale of cognitive needs" measures a person's degree of striving for acquiring new knowledge."The scale of creativity" measures how creativity is expressed in individual. Self-actualization indicators of the 4 groups of alcoholics have been compared as well as compared to the normative data obtained by the analysis of variance with the use of Student’s t-test. These results are presented in the article. The most typical aspects of patients’ self-actualization either unimpaired or affected by the disease are presented. It has been proved that patients suffering from alcoholism need professional psychological care. The duration of remission should be taken into account. It will stimulate self-actualization and creative potential of patients in order to meet the need for self-esteem and self-acceptance, which is a stimulus for personal growth and overcoming pathological addiction to alcohol.