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Spirituality and Health: Empirically Based Reflections on Recovery

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Recent Developments in Alcoholism

Part of the book series: Recent Developments in Alcoholism ((RDIA,volume 18))

Abstract

In this chapter, we explore the spiritual functioning and well-being of individuals and how this relates to mental health and recovery from alcoholism within the conceptual framework of Alcoholics Anonymous. We raise the question of whether the spiritually oriented focus of AA is a critical factor in achieving recovery. We suggest that examining the findings from a large body of research on religion and mental health may provide further insight into this question. Specifically, we assert that the mechanisms through which the spiritual focus of AA may influence recovery from alcoholism may be similar to the mechanisms through which spirituality may influence mental health. These potential explanatory mechanisms include the provision of a community, a narrative framework for meaning-making, a means of coping through submission and redemption, and prescribed lifestyle behaviors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Clinical Associate, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA

    Michelle J. Pearce

  2. Cognitive Behavioral Research and Treatment Program, Research Associate, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA

    Clark M. Rivinoja

  3. Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Associate Professor of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, VA Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA

    Harold G. Koenig

Authors
  1. Michelle J. Pearce
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  2. Clark M. Rivinoja
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  3. Harold G. Koenig
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Correspondence to Michelle J. Pearce .

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    © 2008 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC

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    Pearce, M.J., Rivinoja, C.M., Koenig, H.G. (2008). Spirituality and Health: Empirically Based Reflections on Recovery. In: Kaskutas, L., Galanter, M. (eds) Recent Developments in Alcoholism. Recent Developments in Alcoholism, vol 18. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-77725-2_11

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    • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-77725-2_11

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