Marriage and family therapists' attitudes, intentions and referral behavior towards twelve-step self-help groups
Abstract
A national randomized sample of 321 Marriage and Family Therapists completed a questionnaire assessing their attitudes, intentions and referral behavior related to 12-Step self-help groups. Regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationship of percentage of clinical work associated to addictions, training in addictions' treatment, colleagues' normative beliefs regarding 12-Step groups, exposure to addictions in extended family, personal exposure to 12-Step groups, age, educational level and other demographic variables to attitudes, intentions and referral behavior towards 12-Step self-help groups. Of particular interest was the relationship between colleagues' normative beliefs, personal exposure to 12-Step groups, percentage of clinical work associated to addictions work, educational level and exposure to addictions in family of origin to referral behavior. The results indicated a relationship between colleagues' normative beliefs and referral behavior. They also indicated a relationship between educational level, gender and referral behavior. Evidence of some effects of age of the therapists in attitudes towards 12-Step groups was found. No relationship between training received in addictions, amount of clinical hours devoted to addictions work, or preferred theoretical school and attitudes or referral behavior was found. Most frequently mentioned reasons for succeeding in referring clients to 12-Step groups was knowledge of the 12-Step philosophy, and most frequently mentioned reason for failure to refer clients to 12-Step groups was philosophical disagreement. Implications for practice and training are discussed.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Piercy, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Families & family life|Personal relationships|Sociology|Educational psychology
Off-Campus Purdue Users:
To access this dissertation, please log in to our
proxy server.