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Meeting-makers make meaning: alcoholics anonymous participation and personal meaningfulness.

Authors :
Thompson, Benjamin L
Maleki, Nasim
Kelly, John F
Oscar-Berman, Marlene
Source :
Alcohol & Alcoholism. Mar2024, Vol. 59 Issue 2, p1-7. 7p.
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

Aims The central aim of this study was to determine whether intentional, voluntary alcoholics anonymous (AA) participation showed any independent association with affect, over and above that which has been observed in association with other recovery-related behaviors, such as abstinence, among individuals with a history of alcohol use disorder. Additionally, we sought to determine the nature of the affective changes associated with specific dimensions of AA participation (i.e. meeting   attendance , fellowship   involvement , 12-step   work). Methods Thirty abstinent alcohol use disorder individuals were recruited and evaluated. Multivariate linear regressions were used to examine associations between dimensions of AA participation, measured using the Multidimensional Mutual-Help Assessment Scale and standardized measures of affective experiences, including the Profile of Mood States, Subjective Happiness Scale, and the Twelve Promises Scale. Results and Conclusions Increase in AA participation was associated with higher positive affective experiences. These associations were observed independently with AA meeting   attendance and fellowship   involvement , but not 12-step work. This study's findings suggest that greater AA meeting   attendance and fellowship   involvement are correlated with enhancements in the meta-emotional experience of personal meaningfulness. This study extends evidence on AA-related changes by considering affective improvements as a primary clinical outcome, thereby laying the foundation for subsequent, more comprehensive research into the relationship between dimensions of AA participation and recovery-related affective changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
07350414
Volume :
59
Issue :
2
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Alcohol & Alcoholism
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
176004714
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/agad089