Relationship Between Impulsivity, Empathy and Involvement in Twelve Step Self-help Substance Abuse Treatment Groups

• NCJ Number: 117316
• Journal: British Journal of Addiction Volume: 84 Issue: 4 Dated: (April 1989) Pages: 391-393
• Author(s): W McCown
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 3 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Program Description (Model)
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

Twelve Step self-help groups for the treatment of addictive behaviors continue to grow in popularity across the world.

Abstract

Modeled after and including Alcoholics Anonymous, the Twelve Step approach emphasizes spirituality, abstinence, public confession to abstinent peers, and fellowship with other appetitive-disordered individuals. The relationship between impulsivity, empathy and substance-free lifestyle and participation in Twelve Step self-help groups is investigated. Utilizing S.B.G. Eysenck at al.s' Impulsivity Questionnaire (1-7), members of three self-help clubs were assessed for traits of empathy and impulsiveness. Impulsivity correlated positively with total number of substance abuse slips and negatively with total months of substance abstinence. Empathy on the other hand correlated positively with length of abstinence and hour spent in Twelve Step activities per week. Possible interpretations and application of these findings are discussed. 1 table. 6 references. (Author abstract modified)