Impact of Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment Settings on Self-Esteem among Individuals with Polysubstance Abuse

The present study investigated differences in self-esteem between inpatient and outpatient individuals with polysubstance abuse and examined the predictive roles of age, education, and treatment duration. The sample comprised 80 participants, including 40 inpatients and 40 outpatients receiving treatment for polysubstance abuse. Selfesteem was assessed using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, Pearson product– moment correlation, and hierarchical multiple regression analysis. The results indicated that inpatients reported significantly higher self-esteem (M = 17.73, SD = 3.49) than outpatients (M = 14.25, SD = 6.05), with the difference reaching statistical significance, t(78) = 3.14, p < .01. Frequency analysis further showed that a greater proportion of outpatients fell within the low self-esteem category, whereas most inpatients demonstrated moderate self-esteem. Correlation analysis revealed a significant negative relationship between treatment duration and self-esteem, and a significant positive relationship between education and self-esteem. Age was not significantly associated with self-esteem. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that age, education, and treatment duration collectively accounted for 12.4% of the variance in self-esteem. Education initially emerged as a significant predictor; however, its effect diminished after inclusion of treatment duration. The findings suggest that treatment setting and educational attainment play meaningful roles in shaping self-esteem among individuals with polysubstance abuse, while longer treatment duration may reflect greater clinical severity rather than improved psychological adjustment. The study highlights the need to integrate structured self-esteem enhancement strategies within substance use treatment programs to promote comprehensive psychological recovery