College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

Spring 6-14-2024

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Leonard Jason, PhD

Second Advisor

Joseph Ferrari, PhD

Third Advisor

Nyssa Snow-Hill, PhD

Abstract

The emphasis on treatment for alcohol and substance use disorder (AUD/SUD) has shifted from short-term clinical stabilization to long-term recovery. Along with this shift comes a growing appreciation of the positive beliefs and behaviors recovering people use to maintain their well-being. The current study examined the role of spirituality as one such tool to improve well-being, as well as how deeply held beliefs, or primals, can influence the benefits of spiritual practices. Participants (baseline n = 132) were recovering employees of Oxford House Inc., a large international network of recovery residences. Participants completed measures of their spirituality, primal beliefs, and recovery capital at three timepoints over 9 months. Longitudinal linear mixed models (LMMs) were utilized to analyze relationships between three measures of spirituality (experience, practice, affiliation to spiritual 12-step groups) and recovery capital, as well as the interaction of primal beliefs on these relationships. Spiritual practice and spiritual experience were positively associated with recovery capital. The primal belief Alive appeared to enhance the relationship between experience and capital. Results underscore the importance of spirituality for many individuals with SUDs and reveal the positive benefits of engaging in meaning-centered practices during recovery. Implications for treatment and recovery initiatives are discussed.

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