The Influence of Perceived Discrimination on the Self-Concept of Substance Users
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37134/esss.vol1.1.3.2020Keywords:
Substance abuse, self-concept, perceived discriminationAbstract
This study aimed to determine the relationship of perceived discrimination with the self-concept among substance users. A cross-sectional survey using a paper-pencil approach was used to gather the data. In total, 58 substance users, all male with age ranging from 18 to 54 years old, were recruited using purposive sampling. The Everyday Discrimination Scale (EDS) and The Robson Self Concept Questionnaire (SCQ) were both translated to the Malay language and administered to the sample group of substance users. The results obtained, showed moderate positive correlation between perceived discrimination and self-concept, r(56) = 0.43, p < .001. This demonstrated, substance users who experienced a high intensity of perceived discrimination, developed strong self-concept. Furthermore, results also showed no significant relationship between perceived discrimination and age, rpb(56) = 0.26, p <.05. Suggesting experiences of perceived discrimination was not affected by age group among the substance users. Results show that perceived discrimination could be affected by the traumatic experience of discrimination or the misinterpretation of social cues. Whereas, self-concept development could have been influenced by two factors; social support and the surrounding environment. The intensity of perceived discrimination due to their distorted perception of their status and not due to their age. Regardless of age, every participant in this research study has experienced discrimination. Experiences of traumatic discrimination could have lead substance users to believe they are being discriminated against. Substance users could have faced greater perceived discrimination as they grow older, due to the limited opportunities to contribute to society. Instead, their distorted perception could have to lead them to believe that their status as a former addict is the cause of the discrimination.
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