Supportive Messages Perceived and Recevied in a Therapeutic Setting

This study examines how communication of social support influences the behavioral change process in a particular environment. Specifically, the research question is: How is social support related to commitment to recovery from alcoholism/addiction? A one group pre-test/post-test research design was used with subjects in two addictions treatment centers. Questions were designed to measure changes that took place in individual's perception of supportiveness of messages received, the network support available to them, changes in uncertainty and self-esteem. Finally, how these variables predict commitment to recovery was examined. Results showed no relationship between strength of network at time 1 and the supportiveness of messages received. Strength of network support, self-esteem, and uncertainty reduction improved from time 1 to time 2. The major predictor of a patient's commitment to recovery was the level of self esteem at time 2. However, a strong correlation was found between self-esteem and strength of network at time 2.

Department dc:contributor.department

Speech Communication

Year dc:date.issued

1994

Author dc:creator

• Barr, Jeanine Rice

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Freimuth, Vicki S.

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Identifier

https://doi.org/10.13016/q8fh-gx6e

Dc Identifier Other

ILLiad # 1558203

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:drum.lib.umd.edu:1903/29728