Comparison of Values of Alaska Native and Non-Native Alcoholics and Counselors

Abstract

Values of 42 Alaska Native clients, 30 Alaska Native counselors, and 19 non-Native counselors at seven Indian Health Service inpatient alcoholism treatment programs in Alaska are compared. Using the Rokeach Value Survey, differences were revealed on six instrumental values and six terminal values. The primary value disparities were between the Alaska Native groups and non-Native counselors. Specifically, both Alaska Native groups placed greater importance on values that were other-focused while the non-Native counselors placed more importance on values that were self-focused. Minor differences were noted also between clients and both groups of counselors. Therapeutic implications of such values disparities are discussed as are possible avenues to remediate the problem.

Key Words:

• Culture
• Values
• Native Americans
• Alaska Natives
• Alcoholism treatment