Comparisons Between Newcomers, Chronic Relapsers and Endurers Attending An AA Program

ABSTRACT

Two hundred participants attending a community based Alcoholics Anonymous program volunteered for the study to determine if scores on religiosity (DUREL) and group selection (GSQ) could distinguish between 3 groups: newcomers, chronic relapsers, and endurers. A multivariate analysis found no significant differences between groups for religious affiliation, race, marital status, gender, and education. Significant differences were found between groups on the GSQ negative demeanor scale (p = 0.01) and age (p = 0.002). Two functions derived from the Discriminant Analysis with Function 1 (age and self-absorption) accounting for 89.1% of the variance.

KEYWORDS:

• AA
• deviant group members
• group training
• premature termination prevention