RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FAMILY DYSFUNCTIONING, SELF-ESTEEM AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE IN ADULTS

Background: Substance abuse is a growing public health concern, particularly in developing countries where young adults represent a significant portion of the population. Psychological and familial factors such as self-esteem and family functioning have been increasingly recognized as influential in substance use behavior. However, limited regional studies exist that explore these dynamics in the adult population of semi-urban areas in Pakistan, including Okara, where substance abuse trends are rising among youth and adult groups. Objective: This study aimed to examine the relationship between family dysfunction, self-esteem, and substance abuse in adults, and to determine whether family functioning and self-esteem could significantly predict substance abuse levels. Methods: A total of 220 participants (192 men and 28 women), aged between 18 and 44 years (M = 24.04, SD = 4.78), were recruited using non-probability random sampling from public locations and university settings in Okara, Pakistan. Data were collected using a demographic sheet, the Family Functioning Index Scale, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the Drug Abuse Screening Test. Statistical analysis included Pearson product-moment correlation, linear regression, and independent t-tests. Results: Substance abuse showed a significant negative correlation with both family functioning (r = -0.47, p < 0.01) and self-esteem (r = -0.21, p < 0.01). A positive correlation was found between family functioning and self-esteem (r = 0.31, p < 0.01). Regression analysis revealed that family functioning (β = -0.47, p < 0.001) and self-esteem (β = -0.218, p < 0.001) significantly predicted substance abuse. Gender comparison showed a significant difference in self-esteem between men and women (t (217) = -4.52, CI [-7.76, -3.05], p < 0.001), with women reporting higher self-esteem. Conclusion: The study emphasizes the importance of fostering healthy family dynamics and promoting self-esteem as preventative measures against substance abuse. Findings support the development of policy-driven mental health and family-strengthening programs aimed at adults in similar populations.