한국인 남성 흡연자의 자아방어기제

Ego Defense Mechanism in Korean Male Cigarettee Smokers

Objectives：Deficiencies in internal self-regulation are due to inadequate ego defense mechanisms (EDMs) and important in the understanding of substance abuse. We examined characteristic EDMs, and the relationships between EDMs and nicotine dependence in Korean male cigarette smokers(CSs). Methods：75 male CSs meeting DSM-IV criteria for nicotine dependence and 75 healthy male non-smokers (NSs) were evaluated by using Ehwa Diagnostic Test of Defense Mechanisms, semi-structured questionnaire. CSs were also evaluated by Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence. EDMs were analysed by maturational level. Results：Acting out (p＝.000) & regression (p＝.008) of immature defenses, controlling(p＝.000) & dissociation (p＝.004) of neurotic defenses, projection (p＝.018) & denial (p＝.001) of narcissistic defenses, and altruism (p＝.014) scales scores of maturation defenses were significantly higher in CSs than NSs (by t-test). There was significantly positive correlation between nicotine dependence and acting out scale score (r＝.3327, p＝.005) in CSs. Conclusion：These findings indicate that inadequate EDMs may be the important cause of self-regulatory deficiencies in CSs. We suggest that multiple therapeutic approaches to strengthen healthy ego functions of self-regulation should be provided in smoking cessation program.