The Effect of Gender and Narcotic or Stimulant Abuse on Drug-Related Locus of Control

The Effect of Gender and Narcotic or Stimulant Abuse on Drug-Related Locus of Control by Yolanda René Travis MS, Walden University, 2010 BS, California State University-Sacramento, 2008 BA, San Francisco State University, 2005 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Clinical Psychology Walden University May 2018 Abstract Substance use disorders cause significant neurological damage, cognitive impairment, and maladaptive behaviors that negatively affect a person’s quality of life. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect gender and primary drugs have on locus of control. Generalized expectancy theory helped to explain the behavior of patients diagnosed withSubstance use disorders cause significant neurological damage, cognitive impairment, and maladaptive behaviors that negatively affect a person’s quality of life. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect gender and primary drugs have on locus of control. Generalized expectancy theory helped to explain the behavior of patients diagnosed with substance use disorders and their inability to control ongoing drug use. The research question focused on to what extent drug-related locus of control scores differ by primary drug (narcotic vs. stimulant), gender (male vs. female), and their interaction. Data measuring locus of control from 553 participants provided a subset of 410 participants who identified narcotics or stimulants as their primary drug. A 2x2 full factorial ANOVA was conducted. The results of this study indicated there is a significant interaction between primary drug use and gender. The results could have positive social change implications for the addiction field because of the value of understanding the interdependency of internal-external thought processes related to drug use, the ability to change stigma associated with addiction and gender, and the value of understanding the need for individualized treatment as locus of control shifts from external to internal. It is recommended that the drug-related locus of control instrument become part of treatment protocol along with evidence-based interventions. The Effect of Gender and Narcotic or Stimulant Abuse on Drug-Related Locus of Control by Yolanda René Travis MS, Walden University, 2010 BS, California State University-Sacramento, 2008 BA, San Francisco State University, 2005 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Clinical Psychology Walden University May 2018 Dedication The African proverb that it takes a village to raise a child can be translated to: It takes a community to nurture a budding psychologist. This is true for my journey toward the completion of the Ph.D. program. This work is dedicated to the community of family, associates, and professionals who lifted, encouraged, supported, and guided me through the tunnel of discovery when I could no longer see my way forward toward the light. I would like to give special thanks to my mother, Mary Travis, who has always been there for me and personifies motherhood. You have been there for me from birth, nurturing and inspiring me to be the best I can be, and you are still nurturing now that I am an adult. When I need you the most, you are always there, emotionally, financially, and in spirit. I truly love you. A part of this journey is inspired by my only child, Christopher Lee Herbert. I have always believed that every generation must improve and be better than the last so that the next generation can flourish and be better for the next generation. I have done my best to demonstrate the value of education in hopes that you will continue to encourage my grandchildren to embrace learning and exploring the world in which they live. To my siblings, Vajezatha Smith, Trevania Turner, Anthony Travis, Jr., La Wanda Travis, and Vera Travis, thank you for your loving support and encouragement when my journey seemed its darkest and endless. As the only sibling to earn a graduate degree, all of you earned it through me. You were there to provide emotional support and encouragement when I felt drained. You provided babysitting services, tossed money my way when I needed it, and rallied around me when I felt like giving up. Truly, my degrees belong to all of us. To my sister Trevania Turner, who passed away February 14, 2015. I am sorry that I could not make it across the finish line before you went home. I wish I could have graduated before you left us. You always said, “Landa, that’s all of our degree. ” You were determined to be at my graduation standing by my side. No worries, your spirit will be there. Acknowledgments To Dr. Marlene Cohen and Dr. Ernest Vasti, I would like to thank you for paving the way for me to complete my journey. Your belief in my ability to achieve this goal, and the energy dispensed to pull me across the finish line will stay with me throughout my career. Your words of wisdom and the behavior you modeled have been incorporated as part of my life. You’ve taught me and modeled that when someone helps you, you, in turn, should help others. I will. I promise. Dr. Cohen, I would like to give special thanks for all that you purposely taught and had no idea you were teaching. You are the most inspirational person I have ever known. I am in awe of your skills. When I grow up, I aspire to be just like you. To Dr. Richard Cicchetti and Dr. Marlo Walters, thanks for believing in me and my topic, and for your unwavering support, encouragement, and guidance through this unique experience. To Dr. Hannah Lerman, thanks for your thorough review and suggestions that helped to move the process forward. To Dr. Charles T. Diebold and Dr. Welter McCollum, thanks for being a part of my team and helping me making it across the finish line. I truly appreciate your guidance and support. Special thanks to Dr. Cicchetti for keeping me motivated and making the journey worth fighting. You never gave up on me, and you kept your promise and stayed with me. Words cannot express the amount of gratitude I feel. My experience with you taught me always to believe in myself, even when it appears there is not another way to move beyond the barriers. You taught me that pushing forward provides a way. Thank you.