Relation between Personality Traits and Perceived Social Support among Patients with Substance Use Disorders

Elmalahy, Marwa Mahmoud; Mahmoud, Amal Sobhy; Elsayed, Sonia Mohamed

doi:10.21608/pssjn.2025.369166.1352

Relation between Personality Traits and Perceived Social Support among Patients with Substance Use Disorders

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Psychiatric nursing and mental health

² Prof. of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, faculty of nursing,port-said university

³ Psychiatric Nursing and Mental Health, Faculty of Nursing, Port Said University

10.21608/pssjn.2025.369166.1352

Abstract

Background: In individuals with substance use disorders, there is a complex relationship between personality traits and perceived social support. While neuroticism may hinder social support, higher levels of agreeableness and openness can enhence it. Perceived social support plays a curical roles in reducing stress and promoting adaptive coping mechanisms. Aim: The study aims to investigate how personality traits and perceived social support relate to substance use disorder patients. Subjects and Methods: A total 138 of patients diagnosed with substance abusers from Port Said Psychiatric Health Hospital participated in the study. They were chosen based on their age, gender, level of education, and informational skills; individuals with intellectual disabilities or other psychiatric disorders were excluded. In addition to personal and clinical data sheets, three instruments were utilized to collect data: the Big Five Inventory and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Results: The study found that conscientiousness, agreeableness, and openness were the least common personality traits, while neuroticism and extraversion were the most common. Social support significantly correlated with these traits. Conclusion: Positive associations were observed between perceived social support and personality diaminsions of openness, neuroticism, and conscientiousness. Recommendations: Implementing psycho-educational programs to help patients with substance use disorders utilize their free time constractively rather than ongoing in substance use. Additionally integreating social skills training into treatment programs for SUD patients to enhance interpersonal skills and maintaince of positive relationships.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Psychiatric Nursing and Mental Health

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