Perceptions of Denial among Pregnant and Parenting Chemically Dependent Women Enrolled in Treatment

Abstract

This study combined both qualitative and quantitative methodologies to examine the perceptions of denial in a sample of pregnant and parenting chemically dependent women enrolled in treatment. Interview data revealed that the women in the study had no trouble recognizing denial as a negative influence on the recovery process and were highly critical of denial behaviors displayed by other women in treatment. Learning opportunities, such as special focus groups (e.g., denial recognition, anger management), were identified by participants as the most helpful strategies utilized by treatment staff in dealing with issues of denial. Perceptions of denial were compared across selected demographic and psycho-social variables. No significant differences emerged, with one exception: women who reported recent histories of physical or sexual abuse were more likely to report positive feelings while in denial, such as feeling “normal” and “in control,” than women who denied recent abuse histories.