Date of Award

2023-12-01

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Clinical Psychology

Advisor(s)

Craig A. Field

Abstract

While potentially life threatening, alcohol withdrawal is often under treated and inadequately integrated into the continuum of care for AUD. The current study served as part of a clinically impactful line of research by identifying key physical and psychological aspects of withdrawal. Using a measure previously developed for smoking cessation, a withdrawal intolerance measure was adapted (IDQ-A) and psychometrically validated. We aimed to establish construct validity of a three factor model of the IDQ-A, convergent and discriminant validity, as well as predictive validity. Those highly motivated to quit drinking and high in alcohol dependence were recruited via specialized social media groups and asked to take a baseline and one-month follow-up survey. Results supported a two-factor model, along with overall support for convergent validity. Results were mixed in terms of discriminant and predictive validity, however the two-factor IDQ-A predicted completion of alcohol detoxification. Findings contribute to a clinically impactful program of research, with the goal of targeting risk factors that contribute to the risk of relapse after alcohol cessation. Given factors which predicted poor outcomes in the final validated model of the IDQ-A, the current findings may also begin to aid mental health professionals by initializing a tool to identify those most at risk for early relapse and augment the efficacy of their treatment programs.

Language

en

Provenance

Recieved from ProQuest

File Size

78 p.

File Format

application/pdf

Rights Holder

Sarah Nicole Najera

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Psychology Commons

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