Differences in motivation, coping style, and self-efficacy among incarcerated male and female drug users

This study compared sex differences in theoretically relevant cognitive–behavioral treatment concepts in a sample of 1,189 male and 300 female offenders participating in a prison-based substance abuse treatment program. Multivariate analysis of variance was used to examine the differences between men and women in the areas of motivation, self-efficacy, and coping styles. The results show that the women reported a greater recognition of having a substance use problem, less self-efficacy to remain abstinent in high-risk situations, and greater reliance on the coping strategies of seeking support, accepting responsibility, and escaping as compared with the men. The recognition of potential sex differences in the context of a theoretically driven treatment for substance users is discussed.