RELATIONSHIP AMONG SELF-CRITICISM, PERSONALITY AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE AMONG NIGERIA YOUTHS: MODERATING ROLE OF DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILY

Abstract

This study explored moderating role of dysfunctional family on self-criticism, personality and substance abuse among youths. Ninety-four (94) youths drawn from Awka metropolis in Anambra state serve as participant in the study. They comprised of 80(85.1%) males, and 14(14.9%) females. Their age ranged from 23 to 38 years with mean age of 31.67, and standard deviation of 5.09. Cluster and accidental sampling techniques were used to choose the participants. Four instruments were used: The Forms of Self-Criticising Scale, Big Five Personality Inventory (BFPI), The Hazardous Use Scale of Psychoactive Substances and Scale for Adult Children from Dysfunctional Families (ACDF). Correlational design was adopted as appropriate for the study while Multiple Linear Regression was used to analyse the data. The study ascertained that self-criticism dimensions such as inadequate self had positive significant prediction on substance abuse, while hatred self and reassuring self had negative significant prediction on substance abuse. More so, personality dimensions such as extraversion, conscientiousness and openness to experience had positive significant prediction on substance abuse, while agreeableness and neuroticism had negative significant prediction on substance abuse. Further, family dysfunction moderated relationship between self-criticism and substance abuse significantly. Furthermore, family dysfunction moderated relationship between personality and substance abuse significantly. Hence, the study suggests that there is need for public enlightenment on the dangers of substance abuse among youths in the society. This enlightenment is expected to outlines the kinds of abuse, psychological, health and physical consequences of those abused substances.