The differential characteristics between transformational change experiences and volitional change in recovering substance dependent individuals

UNCW Author/Contributor (non-UNCW co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Elizabeth Flack (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW )
Web Site: http://library.uncw.edu/
Advisor
Richard Ogle

Abstract: Transformational change and volitional change are two ways by which individuals experience sustained behavior change. Transformational change is defined in this study as being of a sudden, instantaneous type which forever changes the individual that experienced it. Volitional change is a process in which people cycle stages of change through many times best described by the transtheoretical model. Transformational change and volitional change experiences were examined in individuals involved in Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous using the Quantum Change Retrospective Interview (QUERI), and the GATTOR to examine spiritual activities in A.A. Other questionnaires were used to examine personality traits (NEO-PI), alcoholics anonymous involvement (AAI), psychopathology (SCL-90), impulsivity (UPPS), drug and alcohol history, and treatment history. Results showed no significant differences between groups on factors such as level of psychopathology, differences in substance abuse history, involvement in spiritual activities, Alcoholics Anonymous, drug use and drinking consequences or last use measured in months. Results also showed a trend in the direction of transformational changers report of a higher degree of openness. Significant results were found in that volitional changers had higher scores in the domain of lack of premeditation. The results showed transformational changers as possessing more effective coping behaviors as well. The results were discussed in terms of the possibility of transformational change

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
A Thesis Submitted to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts
Language: English
Date: 2009
Keywords
Behavior modification, Behavior therapy, Recovering addicts, Recovering alcoholics, Self-perception, Substance abuse--Treatment
Subjects
Self-perception
Recovering alcoholics
Recovering addicts
Substance abuse -- Treatment
Behavior modification
Behavior therapy

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