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Belief systems of alcoholics and problem drinkers Pallett, Joanne Hendrika

Abstract

Alcohol dependence is a complex condition which may be construed as both a disease and a behavioral problem. This study investigated the possibility that deviant drinkers themselves choose one of these options, that this choice is related to general beliefs about control, and that both specific and general beliefs change during a stay in a four week residential treatment program. A questionnaire was constructed to measure differences between behavior and disease oriented beliefs about alcohol dependency. This questionnaire was tested on a group of 104 clients at two alcohol treatment centres. It was established that the instrument fulfilled some of the criteria for psychometric soundness, notably, an acceptable level of internal consistency, and some discriminatory ability. A volunteer sample of 59 men was then tested at these same treatment centres. They were divided into two groups: alcoholics and problem drinkers, depending on which role label they preferred. Everyone received a pre test and a post test. On each occasion, they completed the Beliefs About Alcohol Dependence questionnaire, the Rotter Locus of Control test, the Michigan Alcoholism Screening test, and a demographic information questionnaire. Results indicate that there were some differences in belief systems between the two groups. Self defined alcoholics had more disease oriented beliefs and a greater tendency to perceive themselves in control of their environment. Self defined problem drinkers had more behavior oriented beliefs and a greater tendency to perceive themselves to be controlled by v their environment. While specific beliefs about dependence did not change during treatment, general beliefs about control over the environment did. The implications of viewing the alcohol dependent population as variable with respect to belief systems are discussed.

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