Changes in the self-concept of alcohol dependent women and men during inpatient psychotherapy]

At the beginning and at the end of a six week treatment programme, the self-concepts of 82 male and 31 female alcoholic inpatients were assessed. The Giessen test (a 40 item questionnaire comprising six scales oriented towards psychosocial aspects of personality) was applied. Compared to normative data from the general population, patients described themselves as being more depressed, less controlled, less socially responsive and more reserved. During inpatient treatment, patients approached the levels of the general population. With regard to control and depressiveness, however, there were still significant differences at the end of inpatients treatment. Changes on scales relating to interpersonal contact (social responsiveness, openess) are discussed as specific effects of group psychotherapy. Social potency showed a significant interaction effect, with women responding better to treatment than men.