SELF-MANAGEMENT OF PERSONAL HABITS BY FEMALE DRUG ADDICTS - A FEASIBILITY STUDY

• NCJ Number: 34030
• Journal: Criminal Justice and Behavior Volume: 3 Issue: 1 Dated: (MARCH 1976) Pages: 29-40
• Author(s): S MOINAT; J R SNORTUM
• Date Published: 1976
• Length: 12 pages
• Corporate Author: American Assoc of Correctional Psychologists
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

THIS INVESTIGATION TESTED THE FEASIBILITY OF A NINE-WEEK PROGRAM FOR TRAINING INCARCERATED FEMALE DRUG ADDICTS IN THE USE OF SELF-MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES, INCLUDING SELF-MONITORING AND CONTINGENCY MANAGEMENT.

Abstract

AMONG 21 PARTICIAANTS, 16 WOMEN COMPLETED A TOTAL OF 17 PROJECTS WHICH INCLUDED THE SELF-CONTROL OF SMOKING, CALORIE INTAKE, FINGERNAIL BITING, HAIR-TWISTING, AND TELLING LIES. ALL BUT ONE OF THE PROJECTS DEMONSTRATED AN IMPROVEMENT IN FINAL PERFORMANCE COMPARED TO BASELINE LEVELS. TWO INDIRECT BEHAVIORAL MEASURES SUGGESTED THAT SUBJECTS WERE METHODICAL AND HONEST IN SELF-MONITORING OF RESPONSES. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE THAT SUBJECTS USING TANGIBLE CONSEQUENCES FOR GOAL ATTAINMENT MADE GREATER PROGRESS THAN THOSE EMPLOYING ONLY SELF-PRAISE OR SOCIAL-REINFORCEMENT. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT)