Over the last century, peer-support programs have emerged as viable treatment options for
individuals in recovery from problematic alcohol use (White, 2009). During this time,
researchers have generated a considerable amount of evidence suggesting that peer-support
programs promote widespread benefits among group members (e.g., White, 2009). Despite a
growing body of research in this area, little is currently known about the processes explaining
how peer-support groups help people achieve positive recovery outcomes. The current study
adopts a self-determination theory (Ryan & Deci, 2000) framework to explore the means by
which peer-support programs promote well-being, group satisfaction, and sustainable behaviour
regulation for limiting alcohol use. Eighty-one peer-support attendees responded to a brief web-survey about self-regulation, well-being, and peer-support group experiences. These participants were recruited as part of a larger longitudinal project (entitled “Sober Together”) on peer-support for problematic alcohol use. Preliminary findings indicated that peer-support attendees who perceived group environments as need supportive were more likely to experience psychological need fulfillment, and in turn, greater well-being, group satisfaction, and autonomous regulation for limiting alcohol use. Notably, participants who perceived a congruent “spiritual-fit” with
secular or spiritually-based peer-support programs also appeared more likely to experience their group as need supportive, which in turn, bolstered perceptions of psychological need fulfillment.
Findings highlight the importance of structuring peer-support environments in a manner that
supports psychological needs. / Graduate / 0621 / 0622 / 0451 / tcarey@uvic.ca
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:uvic.ca/oai:dspace.library.uvic.ca:1828/4881 |
| Date | 30 August 2013 |
| Creators | Carey, Tyler M. |
| Contributors | Grouzet, Frederick M. E. |
| Source Sets | University of Victoria |
| Language | English, English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Rights | Available to the World Wide Web |
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