Exploring Self-Esteem, Well-Being, Cannabis and Cocaine Involvement Among Adults in Ireland

Junqueira, Nathaly Araujo (2025) Exploring Self-Esteem, Well-Being, Cannabis and Cocaine Involvement Among Adults in Ireland. Undergraduate thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

Aims: This study aims to explore the interplay between self-esteem (SE), well-being (WB), cannabis and cocaine involvement amongst adults in Ireland in the context of the normalisation of drug use, self-medication and the theory of planned behaviour (TPB).

Method: A survey was administered to participants (n=185) through Microsoft Forms assessing psychological factors (SE and WB), cannabis and cocaine use patterns. Variables were assessed using the cross-sectional survey of 185 participants using standardised measures (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, WHO-5 Well-Being Index, and WHO Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test).

Results: Age was positively correlated with both cannabis and cocaine involvement. No significant relationships were found between substance use (SU) and socioeconomic factors (education, occupation). Gender differences were found in males having higher cannabis use than females, where cocaine involvement had not significant differences. SE showed a negative correlation with cannabis and cocaine use; notably once age was controlled, neither SE nor WB predicted SU.

Conclusion: These finding fits with the normalisation thesis that suggests shifts in cultural acceptance regarding what is referred to as softer, less dangerous substances, such as cannabis. In contrast to traditional stereotypes, gender differences only exist for cannabis involvement in this group. The finding supports the SE and WB enhancement over abstinence-based policies in the context of a youth-oriented intervention. This study encourages more holistic strategies to tackle SU in Ireland’s changing cultural milieu, by taking on board psychological vulnerabilities and the way society operates.

Item Type:	Thesis (Undergraduate)
Supervisors:	Name Email Mothersill, David UNSPECIFIED
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Normalisation thesis; self-medication; self-esteem; well-being; cannabis use; cocaine use; Ireland
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC0321 Neuroscience. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry > Neurology. Diseases of the Nervous System. > Psychiatry > Psychopathology > Personality Disorders. Behaviour Problems. > Addiction J Political Science > JN Political institutions (Europe) > Ireland R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA790 Mental Health
Divisions:	School of Business (- 2025) > BA (Honours) in Psychology
Depositing User:	Ciara O'Brien
Date Deposited:	17 Nov 2025 15:58
Last Modified:	17 Nov 2025 15:58
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/8931

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