Thesis (D. Min.)--Denver Seminary, 2000. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 141-148).

Thesis (D. Min.)--Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Charlotte, NC, 2003. / Abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 131-135).

Alcoholism is a major health problem, and current methods of treatment have been only partially successful. One treatment approach is to teach coping skills for dealing with problematic situations. This study was designed to investigate the effectiveness of imagery techniques in teaching coping skills. There were two major objectives of this study. The first objective was to determine whether covert skills training would produce positive changes in alcoholics in terms of their effectiveness in responding to stressful situations, their self-concept, and selected personality characteristics. The second objective was to determine whether alcoholics subjectively experience the imagery approach as beneficial. The statistical design also evaluated whether the effectiveness of the treatment fluctuated as a function of age, education, chronicity of alcohol problem, number of rehabilitation attempts, and environmental support as measured by the presence of a family or job awaiting the alcoholic's return.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-02T19:24:48Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 TeseEAC.pdf: 907921 bytes, checksum: ec4ee9bdd22774fb00704dc531fb3459 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2005-09-20 / Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos / The major aim of this thesis is to introduce a reflection of the therapeutic model built by the Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) fellowship to care for the so-called alcoholism disease and to relate this model to the construction of the notion of the person as it appears in this model, since it is related to the construction of the identity of an alcoholic in recovery . Based on an ethnographic research carried out in the Sapopemba A.A. group located in the outskirts of the city of São Paulo, we attempt to analyze the problem of alcoholism from an emic perspective, i.e., as it is thought of and managed by those who acknowledge themselves as alcoholics . In this way we try to articulate the representations built on alcohol and alcoholism by re-constructing the notion of alcoholic person, in order to set contrasts with the ideological field of modern individualism. The thesis also looks for to demonstrate that, for A.A. members, the alcoholic disease is understood as a family disease , i.e., a disease that not only concerns the individuals but also affects those around them, family members most of all. In fact, the possibility of contagion around alcoholism is clearly identifiable. Such condition is directly linked to representations built on alcoholism, understood as a physical and moral disease. It is also linked to its effects on the set of social relationships both familial and professional in which the ex-drinker is involved. In their activities and meetings, the members of the fellowship acknowledge themselves as alcoholics in recovery , i.e., as carriers of an incurable disease, a disorder housed inside each of them with which they must learn to deal. Fundamentally, this process corresponds to setting a peculiar regime of alterity, based on the construction of an ill body and soul, in which ex-drinker is seen as another person that each alcoholic carries within; this condition must be shared with the other group members to facilitate preservation of soberness and recuperation of social bonds that were lost in the times of active alcoholism, particularly within the family and in the workplace. / O objetivo deste trabalho é o de apresentar uma reflexão sobre o modelo terapêutico construído pela irmandade de Alcoólicos Anônimos (A.A.) para dar conta da chamada doença do alcoolismo , relacionando-o à fabricação de uma noção de pessoa em seu interior, notadamente a partir da edificação da identidade de doente alcoólico em recuperação . A partir dos dados da pesquisa etnográfica realizada no grupo Sapopemba de A.A., localizado na periferia da cidade de São Paulo, busca-se analisar o problema do alcoolismo a partir de uma perspectiva êmica, isto é, tal como ele é pensado e gerido por aqueles que se reconhecem como doentes alcoólicos . Com isso, pretende-se articular as representações construídas sobre o álcool e o alcoolismo com a fabricação de uma noção de pessoa alcoólica , de maneira a estabelecer contrastes com o campo ideológico do individualismo moderno. Ao longo deste trabalho, demonstra-se que, para os membros de A.A., a doença alcoólica é entendida como uma doença da família , ou seja, uma doença que atinge o indivíduo, mas também afeta a todos aqueles que estão a seu redor, sobretudo, seus familiares. Com efeito, evidenciam-se as condições de possibilidade de contágio em torno do alcoolismo, condições essas diretamente ligadas às representações construídas sobre o alcoolismo, entendido como uma doença física e moral , e a seus efeitos sobre o conjunto de relações sociais familiares e profissionais nas quais o exbebedor está envolvido. Em suas atividades e reuniões, os membros da irmandade se reconhecem como doentes alcoólicos em recuperação , isto é, como portadores de uma doença incurável; de um mal que está alojado dentro de cada um e com o qual deverão aprender a conviver. Esse processo corresponde, fundamentalmente, à instauração de um peculiar regime de alteridade, baseado na fabricação de um corpo e de um espírito doentes, no qual a doença alcoólica é apreendida como um outro que cada dependente traz dentro de si mesmo; condição essa que deve ser compartilhada com os demais membros do grupo, possibilitando, assim, a manutenção da sobriedade e o resgate dos laços sociais, perdidos no tempo do alcoolismo ativo, notadamente, na família e no trabalho.

Introdução: O estudo da atitude dos profissionais de saúde frente ao álcool, ao alcoolismo e ao alcoolista ainda é escasso na literatura brasileira, e, em relação às atitudes dos psicólogos e estudantes de psicologia, não estão disponíveis na literatura nacional estudos que tenham se ocupado desse fenômeno. Após os movimentos sanitaristas da reforma psiquiátrica no Brasil, no final da década de 1980, houve aumento significativo desses profissionais em vários serviços de saúde, inclusive naqueles destinados ao atendimento de pessoas com problemas relacionados ao álcool e ao alcoolismo. O que torna importante identificar questões relacionadas ao preparo e às atitudes dos futuros profissionais de psicologia frente ao álcool, ao alcoolismo e ao alcoolista. Objetivo: Verificar e analisar as atitudes dos estudantes de psicologia frente ao álcool, ao alcoolismo e ao alcoolista. Método: Estudo exploratório de abordagem psicométrica, realizado com uma amostra de 159 estudantes do último ano do curso de psicologia de três faculdades da cidade de São Paulo. Para coleta de dados utilizou-se a Escala de Atitudes Frente ao Álcool, ao Alcoolismo e ao Alcoolista (EAFAAA) e um questionário sociodemográfico. Para análise dos dados utilizaram-se testes da estatística descritiva (frequências simples, porcentagens e médias) e para verificar se existia diferenças de atitude entre os três grupos realizou-se uma análise de variância. Resultados: Observou-se que, de modo geral, os 159 estudantes apresentaram tendência de atitudes positivas frente ao álcool, ao alcoolismo e ao alcoolista. Os estudantes das três faculdades apresentaram atitudes positivas para os fatores 1 (o trabalhar e o se relacionar com o alcoolista) e 2 (as atitudes frente ao alcoolista). Houve diferença estatística significativa (p=0,005) para os fatores 3 (atitudes frente ao alcoolismo, etiologia) e 4 (as atitudes frente ao uso do álcool) e na escala total para a Faculdade A em relação às faculdades B e C. A verificação de confiabilidade da EAFAAA estimada pelo alfa de Cronbach indicou boa consistência interna (0,90). Conclusão: Os estudantes de psicologia apresentaram tendência a atitudes positivas, segundo os resultados da EAFAAAA. Os estudantes da faculdade que tiveram experiência ou contato com o alcoolista apresentaram atitudes mais positivas do que aqueles que só tiveram preparo em sala de aula. Assim a necessidade de rever a grade curricular e a inserção de estudantes de psicologia, desde a graduação, em serviços de atenção especializados ao usuário de álcool é de extrema relevância social. / Introduction: The study of the attitudes of health professionals towards alcohol, alcoholism and the alcoholic is still scarce in Brazilian literature, and the attitudes of psychologists and psychology students, are not available in the national studies that have been busy this phenomenon. After the movements sanitary psychiatric reform in Brazil in the late 1980s, a significant increase of these professionals in various health services, including those intended to care for people with alcohol problems and alcoholism. What makes it important to identify issues related to the preparation and attitudes of future professionals in psychology towards alcohol, alcoholism and alcoholics. Aim: To investigate and analyze the attitudes of psychology students towards alcohol, alcoholism and alcoholics. Method: An exploratory study of psychometric approach, conducted with a sample of 159 students of the final year psychology three colleges of the city of São Paulo. For data collection we used the Scale of Attitudes Towards Alcohol, Alcoholism and alcoholics (EAFAAA), and a demographic questionnaire. Data analysis tests were used descriptive statistics (simple frequencies, percentages and means) and to check whether attitudinal differences existed among the three groups performed an analysis of variance. Results: It was observed that, in general, the 159 students showed a trend of positive attitudes towards alcohol, alcoholism and alcoholics. Students from the three schools showed positive attitudes to factors 1 (the work and relate to the alcoholic) and 2 (attitudes towards alcoholic). There was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.005) for the three factors (attitudes toward alcoholism, etiology) and 4 (attitudes towards alcohol use) and full scale for the College in relation to colleges B and C. A reliability check of EAFAAA estimated by Cronbach\'s alpha indicated good internal consistency (0.90). Conclusion: The psychology students tended to have positive attitudes, according to the results of EAFAAAA. College students who have had experience or contact with alcoholics showed more positive attitudes than those who had only preparation in the classroom. Thus the need to revise the curriculum and the inclusion of psychology students, since graduating in specialized care services to the user of alcohol is of utmost social relevance

The present study addresses questions regarding the cognitive functioning of recently detoxified male alcoholics during increasing time periods of abstinence. Such questions relate to whether alcoholic males between the ages of 30 and 55 demonstrate a recovery to normal cognitive functioning within a six week abstinence period.

Difficulties in interpersonal functioning have been consistently reported in the literature as a proposed negative outcome for adult children of problem drinkers. The existing literature has largely privileged the quantitative paradigm, which has conceptualised this group's relationship functioning through theoretically driven categories and concepts. The result has been a predominantly negative picture lacking utility, as well as neglecting important contextual processes and the inherent complexity and fluidity of human relationships. The aim of this study was to gain a richer understanding through exploring adult children of problem drinkers lived experience of relationships. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six individuals who grew up with at least one problem drinking parent. Transcripts of the interviews were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Four main themes emerged across participants accounts: 'Moving from 'bewilderment' to seeking clarity and stability in relationships', 'Remembering feeling unsafe and finding safety in relationships', 'Moving from invisibility towards finding a sense of self' and 'Making a choice to change my relationships'. The findings offer an alternative understanding of this group's experiences of relationships which are discussed in relation to the existing literature. Clinical Implications and suggestions for further research are considered.

M.A. (Social Work) / Please refer to full text to view abstract

AFRIKAANS: Alkoholisme is reeds vir dekades 'n problematiese aangeleentheid in die samelewing en dit is 'n verskynsel wat voortduur, ten spyte van die negatiewe impak wat dit op die alkoholis, die alkoholisgesin en die samelewing het. Alkohol word ten spyte van die verslawende effek wat dit op die mens kan hê, nie as 'n dwelmmiddel beskou nie en is vrylik beskikbaar. Drie tot ses persone word negatief beïnvloed deur 'n enkele persoon se alkoholafhanklikheid en alkoholmisbruik word as die derde grootste gesondheidsprobleem in die wêreld beskou. Daar bestaan 'n positiewe verband tussen alkoholmisbruik en motorongelukke, mishandeling en molestering van kinders, gesinsgeweld, aanrandings, huisbrake, verkragtings en moord. Die alkoholisgesin openbaar dikwels eienskappe van 'n disfunksionele gesin en die kind van die alkoholis loop 'n groot risiko om self aan alkohol verslaaf te raak en probleme ten opsigte van sy/haar maatskaplike funksionering te openbaar. Die navorsingstelling naamlik, indien die laerskoolkind van die alkoholis ondersteuning en leiding ontvang deur middel van 'n intervensieprogram in spelterapie vanuit die gestaltbenadering, behoort sy maatskaplike funksionering te verbeter. Die doel van die ondersoek was om die laerskoolkind van die alkoholis deur middel van 'n intervensieprogram in spelterapie te ondersteun en te bemagtig om die realiteite van ouerlike alkoholisme te hanteer. Sodoende kan hierdie kind in staat gestel word om 'n hoër vlak van maatskaplike funksionering as voorheen te bereik. Om hierdie doel te bereik is sowel 'n literatuurstudie as 'n empiriese ondersoek geloods. Die literatuurstudie het die navorser in staat gestel om insig in die impak van alkoholafhanklikheid op die alkoholis, die alkoholisgesin en die kind van die alkoholis te ontwikkel. Literatuur oor spelterapie en die gestaltbenadering is ook bestudeer. Die empiriese ondersoek het behels dat ses laerskoolkinders wie aan ouerlike alkoholisme blootgestel word, betrek is by 'n intervensieprogram wat uit elf individuele en vier groepsessies bestaan het. Intervensie navorsing is in die vorm van 'n kombinasie tussen kwalitatiewe- en kwantitatiewe navorsing aangewend en kwasi-eksperimentele navorsingsprosedures is benut om te bepaal tot watter mate die onafhanklike veranderlike die afhanklike veranderlike beïnvloed het. Selfontwerpte vraelyste is as meetinstrumente tydens die toepassing van die enkelstelselontwerp benut. Sodoende is die doeltreffendheid van die intervensieprogram bepaal, is die navorsingstelling bevestig en is die mate waarin die doel van die studie bereik is, bepaal. Die resultate van die studie is statisties geanaliseer en die volgende gevolgtrekkings is gemaak: <ul><li> 'n Intervensieprogram in spelterapie vanuit die gestaltbenadering is 'n sinvolle hulpverleningsmetode met die laerskoolkind van die alkoholis. Die kind kan deur middel van hierdie program holisties benader word, onvoltooidhede op sy voorgrond kan hanteer word en hy kan bemagtig word om sy gevoelens te identifiseer, te besit en dit te hanteer. Die kind kan in staat gestel word om keuses te maak, nuwe gedragspatrone aan te leer, insig in die verskynsel van alkoholisme te ontwikkel, ondersteuningsnetwerke te benut en om homself te onderhou. </li><li> Intervensie navorsing kan met sukses in maatskaplike werk benut word, aangesien daar doelgerig, prakties en wetenskaplik te werk gegaan kan word om reeds bestaande kennis oor alkoholisme uit te brei. 'n Intervensieprogram met die laerskoolkind van die alkoholis kon met sukses ontwikkel, gelmplementeer, gemeet en geevalueer word. <br></li></ul> Ten slotte word aanbevelings op grond van die bevindinge uit die navorsing op mikro-, meso- en makro-vlak gemaak. ENGLISH: Alcoholism has been for many years a problematic phenomenon in the society. It is also an ongoing occurrence in spite of the negative impact that it has on the alcoholic, the family of the alcoholic and the society. A contributing factor to alcoholism in the world is that the addictive nature of alcohol is not recognized. It is therefor not perceived as a drug and freely available. Three to six people are however negatively affected by a single person's alcohol abuse. Alcoholism is also the third most frequent health problem in the world. A positive reference between alcohol abuse and car accidents, abuse and molestation of children, family violence, assault, rape, murder, house breakage and theft is also known. The alcoholic family often display characteristics of a dysfunctional family and the child of the alcoholic is at great risk to also abuse alcohol and to experience problems with social functioning. This research was done on the following statement: The social functioning of the primary school child of the alcoholic, will improve if this child can be supported and guided through an intervention program in play therapy through the gestalt therapy approach. The aim of this study was to empower and to support the primary school child to handle the reality of parental alcoholism and to achieve a higher level of social functioning than before. The study involved both literature and empirical research in order to achieve this goal. The literature study was aimed to develop more insight in the impact of alcohol abuse on the alcoholic, the alcoholic family and the child of an alcoholic. Literature on play therapy and the gestalt therapy approach was also studied. Six children in primary school that are exposed to parental alcoholism, was involved in an intervention program during the empirical study. This intervention program consisted of eleven individual sessions and four group sessions. Intervention research was undertaken in the form of a combination off qualitative and quantitative research. Quasi-experimental research procedures were implemented to evaluate whether the independent variable was influenced by the dependent variable. Self formulated questionnaires were used through the single system design to achieve the goal of the study and to measure the effectiveness of the intervention program. The results of the study were statistically analysed and the following conclusions can be made: <ul><li> An intervention program in play therapy through the gestalt therapy approach is an effective helping method with the primary school child that is exposed to parental alcoholism. A holistic approach of the child can take place through this program and the child's homeostasis can be improved, his awareness can be increased and the unfinished business on the child's figure ground can be handled. The child can also be empowered to identify and experience his feelings, to make choices, to learn new behaviour, to gain insight in alcoholism, to use a support system and to support himself </li><li> Intervention research can be successfully used in social work. This research method can be done purposefully, practical and scientific and existing knowledge on alcoholism can be extended. An intervention program with the primary school child that is exposed to parental alcoholism can be developed, implemented, measured and evaluated through intervention research. <br></li></ul> Recommendations were made on micro-, meso- and macro-level, concluding this study. / Thesis (D Phil (Social Work))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Social Work and Criminology / Unrestricted

Surveys have shown that alcohol misuse is the biggest substance misuse problem in the world today, affecting millions of people. With the disease being part of a family, all members of the family experience the distress of parental alcohol misuse. While the challenges that these families have to face are many, they seem to have the ability to “bounce back”, in other words, have resilience. There has been limited research to date on family relations and alcohol misuse in South Africa, especially in terms of the parental member as the alcohol misuser. The proposed research aimed to explore and describe the factors that facilitate adjustment and adaptation in families where a member misuses alcohol. The Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Adjustment and Adaptation was used to analyze the factors that enable a family to adapt to the alcohol misuse, as outlined in the broader study at the University of Stellenbosch. An exploratory descriptive research design was employed in the proposed study. For the purposes of this study, the researcher combined qualitative and quantitative research methods in order to use their complementary strengths to enrich the data obtained from the proposed study. Sixty three families were surveyed using a biographical questionnaire and seven pencil-and-paper questionnaires. These families were accessed via drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities throughout South Africa. The data from the biographical questionnaire was analyzed using descriptive statistics, while the qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis. The quantitative data was analyzed using correlation and regression analysis. The findings of the proposed research allow for better management of the alcohol misuser’s condition through the understanding of what resiliency areas the family may improve upon. Furthermore, the study can be used as a stepping stone for future research of resilience in families living with a parental member who misuses alcohol, and ultimately contributes to the broader context of family resilience research in South Africa. Key words: alcohol misuse, alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, family, resilience, adjustment, adaptability.