Drug Avoidance Self-Efficacy Scale (DASES)
Drug Avoidance Self-Efficacy Scale (DASES) used in psychology are essential tools for clinical and research assessments. This post is based on dissertations submitted by students during their academic programs. At ‘Mental Health,’ we arrange and provide these resources to you. Here is the complete list of resources (Click Here). To access these materials, click on the ‘Avail File’ section below.”
Table of Contents
About Drug Avoidance Self-Efficacy Scale (DASES)
The Drug Avoidance Self-Efficacy Scale (DASES), developed by Martin, Wilkinson, and Poulos (1995), is a widely used tool designed to assess an individual’s confidence in their ability to resist using drugs in various high-risk situations. Self-efficacy, the belief in one’s capacity to execute behaviors necessary to produce specific performance attainments, is a crucial aspect of substance abuse treatment and prevention. The DASES evaluates this belief specifically in the context of avoiding drug use, offering clinicians insights into the patient’s perceived ability to resist drug-related temptations.
Purpose of the Tool
The primary purpose of the DASES is to measure an individual’s confidence in avoiding drug use in challenging situations. It aims to:
Evaluate a person’s self-efficacy in drug refusal across various scenarios such as social pressure, emotional distress, or availability of substances.
Help clinicians and researchers understand the areas where individuals feel most vulnerable to relapse.
Guide treatment interventions that strengthen an individual’s drug refusal skills, ultimately reducing relapse rates and supporting long-term recovery.
Description of the Tool
The Drug Avoidance Self-Efficacy Scale consists of a set of questions that present different situations where drug use may be tempting. The respondent is asked to rate their level of confidence in resisting the temptation to use drugs in these scenarios. The scale covers a range of situations, including:
- Social Pressure: Instances where the individual is offered drugs by friends or acquaintances in a social setting.
- Emotional Distress: Moments where negative emotions such as anxiety, depression, or anger might lead to drug use as a coping mechanism.
- Drug Availability: Scenarios where drugs are readily available, increasing the temptation to use.
Respondents rate their confidence on a scale from “Not at all confident” to “Completely confident,” providing a clear picture of where they may require additional support or coping strategies. The scores can be used to identify specific high-risk situations and tailor interventions to strengthen drug avoidance skills.
Age Group
The DASES is applicable for adults and adolescents who are in treatment for drug abuse or those at risk of substance use. It is suitable for individuals in various stages of recovery and can be used in both clinical and research settings.
References
Martin, G. W., Wilkinson, D. A., & Poulos, C. X. (1995). The drug avoidance self-efficacy scale. Journal of Substance Abuse, 7(2), 151-163.
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