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Dissertation
Adult attachment and its association with substance dependence treatment outcome
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Medical College of Pennsylvania and Hahnemann University
Aug 2001
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00007898
Abstract
Attachment is a process in which affective bonds are initiated and maintained between individuals. Substance dependence is a disorder affecting millions of individuals. To date, little research has been conducted into the relationship between adult attachment and the substance use disorders. The purpose of this investigation was to explore the association between adult attachment styles and the initiation, maintenance and recovery of substance dependence. Attachment styles of substance dependent patients were explored with particular attention toward their association with several indices of recovery outcome and recovery-related variables at nine months follow-up after completion of an approximately eight week intensive outpatient rehabilitation program. Of special interest, in terms of recovery-related variables, were behavioral levels of engagement in twelve-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. Several findings indicated an association between attachment, substance dependence and recovery outcome. Results from this investigation suggested that substance dependent patients tended to have more insecure styles of attachment and that avoidance may have been a prominent attachment style for patients presenting to substance abuse treatment centers. While adult attachment appeared to be associated with substance dependence the association between adult attachment and recovery from substance dependence was generally not substantiated. However, minor associations between attachment as measured by the Trichotomous Attachment Classification (TAC) and the Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ), and recovery outcome as measured by the Addiction Severity Index Composite Scores (ASI-CS) suggest further investigation is warranted. Important, albeit small, associations were found between adult attachment and treatment completion. While there was practically no association found between adult attachment and recovery as measured with the ASI-CS or the self-report of abstinence, there were some important associations found between attachment and other recovery-related variables although these results were mixed. While none of the recovery-related variables were associated with changes in ASI-CS scores, some interesting mixed associations were found among the recovery-related variables. One important finding concerned a significant association between obtaining a sponsor and the self-report of abstinence. There were some findings in this study that might suggest that an insecure style of attachment could be associated with some positive aspects of recovery outcome. The clinical implications, limits of this investigation, and directions for future research are addressed.
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Details
- Title
- Adult attachment and its association with substance dependence treatment outcome
- Creators
- Jeremy Frank
- Awarding Institution
- Medical College of Pennsylvania and Hahnemann University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Publisher
- Medical College of Pennsylvania and Hahnemann University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- ix, 189 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Clinical and Health Psychology [Historical]; Medical College of Pennsylvania and Hahnemann University (1993-1996, 1998-2002); College of Nursing and Health Professions (2000-2002)
- Other Identifier
- 991021888758804721