Identity and recovery: Theoretical and empirical explorations.
Item
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Title
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Identity and recovery: Theoretical and empirical explorations.
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Identifier
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AAI9417480
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identifier
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9417480
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Creator
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Kellogg, Scott Holland.
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Contributor
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Adviser: Vera Paster
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Date
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1994
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Psychology, Clinical | Psychology, Social | Psychology, Personality
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Abstract
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This dissertation examined, both theoretically and empirically, the role of identity in the recovery process from addiction. Using multiple identity theory (Deaux, 1991; Gara, Rosenberg, & Cohen, 1987; McCall & Simmons, 1978; Rosenberg & Gara, 1985; Stryker, 1968, 1981; Stryker & Serpe, 1982; Stryker & Statham, 1985) and the important theoretical and empirical work of Waldorf, Biernacki, and Stall (Biernacki, 1986; Stall & Biernacki, 1986; Waldorf, 1983; Waldorf & Biernacki, 1981), the process of identity transformation, reorganization, and creation was explored in natural or spontaneous recovery, the therapeutic community, the 12-Step programs, psychotherapy, and religious treatment programs. A core recovery model that emphasized the creation of an identity to compete with and replace the addict identity as a central self-concept was seen as a common process in these five healing approaches. The clinical utility of using identity theory in this way was also discussed.;The empirical section of the dissertation used the Social Identity Q-sort to test four hypotheses on the nature of the identity structures of recovering people with 63 alcoholic and/or addicted men in treatment. The findings showed the importance of the degree to which the subjects valued their addict and recovery identities.;A Q-factor analysis was also done to get a more subjective view of their identity structures. Two successful approaches emerged. The first emphasized a mixture of recovery and spiritual items, while the second emphasized recovery and family items. A core healing component, the Recovery Quartet, was found which emphasized the centrality and importance of sobriety and the connection to the treatment program and to the therapeutic experience.;The final area of discussion focused on the stages of change models of Schlesinger (1992) and Prochaska, DiClemente, and Norcross (1992) all of whom argued that the change or recovery process begins long before people enter formal treatment. Suggestions for further research were also discussed.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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Ph.D.
