Quantitative Assessment of Psycho-Social Factors Associated with Alcoholics Anonymous Involvement

• Main Author: Bentley, Dianne
• Format: Others
• Language: en
• Published: ScholarWorks 2018
• Subjects: Alcohol; Alcoholics Anonymous; Emotionalism; Gender; Impulsivity; Social; Clinical Psychology; Cognitive Psychology; Social and Behavioral Sciences
• Online Access: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/4594; https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5874&context=dissertations

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.