Quantitative Assessment of Psycho-Social Factors Associated with Alcoholics Anonymous

182 Pages·2017·0.88 MB·English

Walden University
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Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Collection
2018
Quantitative Assessment of Psycho-Social Factors
Associated with Alcoholics Anonymous
Involvement
Dianne Bentley
Walden University
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Walden University

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by

Dianne Bentley

has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects,
and that any and all revisions required by
the review committee have been made.

Review Committee
Dr. Denise Horton, Committee Chairperson, Psychology Faculty
Dr. Anne Morris, Committee Member, Psychology Faculty
Dr. Brian Zamboni, University Reviewer, Psychology Faculty

Chief Academic Officer

Eric Riedel, Ph.D.

Walden University
2017
Abstract

Quantitative Assessment of Psycho-Social Factors Associated with

Alcoholics Anonymous Involvement

by
Dianne Bentley

MSPSY, Walden University, 2013
EdD, University of Southern California, 2005
MSED, Pepperdine University, 2002
BSED, University of Georgia, 1977

Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree of
Doctor of Philosophy
Clinical Psychology

Walden University
December 2017
Abstract
Alcohol use disorders are a major health problem in the United States; approximately
7.4% of the population meets the criteria for alcohol abuse or dependence. However,
Reed, Levin, and Evans (2012) reported a lack in research regarding alcoholism’s risk
factors and how these influence Alcoholics Anonymous involvement. Though there is
evidence for several risk factors, researchers have found mixed results regarding gender
and impulsivity. Social learning theory was the theoretical foundation of this study and
guided the exploration and interpretation of these risk factors. Therefore, the purpose of
this quantitative, nonexperimental study was to understand the relationship that
impulsivity (as measured from the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-15) and gender contribute
to involvement (as measured by the Alcoholics Anonymous Involvement scale), as well
how impulsivity may moderate gender-based differences. Based on this goal, the target
population included individuals who have been a part of the Alcoholics Anonymous
program in an urban location in a Western state. This study followed a purposive
sampling procedure to target this population, which resulted in a final sample of 136
participants. A series of analyses including chi squares, t-tests, and an ANCOVA did not
provide any evidence that involvement depended on gender or impulsivity. This study
provides a better understanding of how gender and impulsivity influence attendance and
will enhance intervention practices and improve outcomes for people suffering from
alcohol addiction. By increasing knowledge on Alcoholics Anonymous involvement, and
why it works for some and not for others, the study provides support for professionals,
families, and communities involved with participants of the program.
Quantitative Assessment of Psycho-Social Factors Associated with
Alcoholics Anonymous Involvement

by
Dianne Bentley

MSPSY, Walden University, 2013
EdD, University of Southern California, 2005
MSED, Pepperdine University, 2002
BSED, University of Georgia, 1977

Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree of
Doctor of Philosophy
Clinical Psychology

Walden University
December 2017
Dedication
This study is dedicated to all individuals suffering from alcohol addiction in hopes
that through avenues such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) they find support, hope, and
recovery. I also dedicate this study to my family and friends who have always been there
for me throughout my life.
Acknowledgements
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the individuals who have
assisted me in the completion of this study. First and foremost, I appreciate the support
and understanding of Dr. Denise Horton, my co-chair, whom I could have never
completed my research without and to Dr. Anne Morris, committee member, for her
expertise and guidance. Many thanks go to both of you for your consistent support,
knowledge, and input.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study ....................................................................................1
Background of the Study ...............................................................................................1
Statement of the Problem ...............................................................................................2
Purpose of the Study ......................................................................................................3
Research Questions and Hypotheses .............................................................................4
Theoretical Foundation ..................................................................................................5
Social Learning Theory of Alcoholism................................................................... 5
Nature of the Study ........................................................................................................8
Definition of Terms........................................................................................................9
Assumptions .................................................................................................................12
Scope and Delimitations ..............................................................................................12
Limitations ...................................................................................................................13
Significance of the Study .............................................................................................15
Significance to Theory .......................................................................................... 16
Significance to Practice......................................................................................... 16
Significance to Social Change .............................................................................. 17
Summary and Transition ..............................................................................................17
Chapter 2: Literature Review .............................................................................................19
Background ..................................................................................................................19
Literature Search Strategy............................................................................................20
Theoretical Foundation ................................................................................................20
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Literature Review.........................................................................................................22
Implications of Past Research in Present Research .............................................. 22
Gender Differences in AA Involvement ............................................................... 24
Co-Occurring Disorders for Men and Women ..................................................... 28
Metabolic Differences Between Genders ............................................................. 30
Binging Differences Between Genders ................................................................. 31
Gender Differences in Cultural Expectancies ....................................................... 33
Age and Life Span Phases Influencing Alcohol Consumption for Gender .......... 37
Younger AA Members .......................................................................................... 40
How Impulsivity Influences AA Affiliation ......................................................... 41
Alcohol Consumption Regarding Impulsivity ...................................................... 51
Alcohol Use Disorders (AUD) in the United States ............................................. 52
Negative Effects of Alcohol.................................................................................. 55
AA and Treatment................................................................................................. 57
Meeting Structure.................................................................................................. 64
Statistics for AA Recovery ................................................................................... 65
Social Change in AA Support Systems ................................................................ 67
What Recovery Means .......................................................................................... 67
Positive Support in AA Recovery ......................................................................... 68
Criticisms of AA Recovery ................................................................................... 70
Barriers to Recovery in AA .................................................................................. 73
Reasons for Relapse .............................................................................................. 76
ii
Alcohol Consumption ........................................................................................... 77
Terrorism and disasters ................................................................................... 78
Social problems ............................................................................................... 79
Alcohol Use/Trends in Marketing ........................................................................ 79
Reasons Individuals Refrain from Alcohol Consumption .................................... 80
Summary and Conclusions ..........................................................................................81
Chapter 3: Research Method ..............................................................................................83
Background ..................................................................................................................83
Research Design and Rationale ...................................................................................83
Methodology ................................................................................................................84
Population ............................................................................................................. 86
Sampling and Sampling Procedures ..................................................................... 86
Procedures for Recruitment, Participation, and Data Collection .......................... 87
Instrumentation and Operationalization of Constructs ......................................... 88
Alcoholics Anonymous Involvement Index ................................................... 88
Barratt Impulsivity Scale - 15-Item, Short Form ............................................ 89
Test-Retest Reliability and Consistency of Instruments ....................................... 90
Data Analysis Plan .......................................................................................................93
Threats to Validity .......................................................................................................96
External Validity ................................................................................................... 96
Internal Validity .................................................................................................... 96
Construct Validity ................................................................................................. 97
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