Diary reports on emotional experiences in the onset of a psychosocial transition: Becoming drug-free

Author(s)

Marcella Ravenna, Erik Hölzl, Sandro Costarelli, Erich Kirchler, Augusto Palmonari

Abstract

The process of becoming drug free is viewed as a psychosocial transition

in the life of drug addicts. A specific form of treatment of heroin

addiction within residential communities is based on the importance of

interpersonal relationships for change. Well-being of 65 drug addicts

during the first 2 weeks in a residential community is explored using a

time-sampling diary which was completed four times a day. The influence

of subjects' history, situational context, and motive activation on

well-being and emotions is investigated. Results show that well-being

and emotions differ mainly according to subjects' history, but not — at

least at the beginning of treatment within the community — according to

situations. This is interpreted as a ‘state of shock’ in the new

environment and highlights the necessity for special individual care for

Sons, Ltd.

Organisation(s)

External organisation(s)

University of Bologna, Università degli Studi di Trento

Journal

Journal of Community and Applied Social Psychology

Volume

Pages

19-35

No. of pages

ISSN

1052-9284

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1002/casp.607

Publication date

2001

Peer reviewed

Yes

Austrian Fields of Science 2012

5010 Psychology

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