Date of Conferral

2-7-2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Criminal Justice

Advisor

Ali Banister

Abstract

The overall research problem in this research study was that there were no current data related to the layperson's perception of opioid use disorder using labeling theory in Region 9 of Louisiana. This study is essential because opioid use disorder affects people worldwide, and the number of people diagnosed with opioid use disorder rises annually. Annually, thousands of people overdose, with a plethora of these overdoses resulting in death, due to opiate use. These deaths are unnecessary because there are treatment options and resources available. However, stigma and fear keep people from accessing potentially lifesaving resources. The purpose was to increase understanding of the layperson's perception of opioid use disorder in Region 9 of Louisiana using labeling theory. The theoretical framework discussed in this study was labeling theory by Tannenbaum. The key research questions addressed the relationship between age, sex, socioeconomic status, race, and stigma regarding opioid use disorder in Region 9 of Louisiana. The overall research design was a quantitative online survey. Data were collected through 404 voluntary internet surveys completed by laypeople of Region 9 of Louisiana. The instrument that was used in this survey was a combination of two separate surveys that reported on a person’s perception of addiction and/or mental illness. The key findings are that there is a correlation between age, sex, and socioeconomic status regarding stigma regarding opioid use disorder in Region 9 of Louisiana. This research may allow for positive social change by increasing the scholar-practitioners’ understanding of the layperson’s perception of opioid use disorder in Region 9 of Louisiana using labeling theory.

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