Date

4-7-2026

Department

School of Health Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences (PhD)

Chair

Marybeth Mitcham

Keywords

Alcoholics Anonymous, alcoholism, spirituality, addiction recovery, Social Cognitive Theory

Disciplines

Religion | Social and Behavioral Sciences

Abstract

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study is to understand the experiences of AA members in rural southern Virginia, leading to behavior changes from addiction to recovery. Exploring these experiences will provide an understanding of how this organization provides recovery capital, reduces rural barriers to addiction treatment, and facilitates a spiritual awakening that supports behavior change. The spiritual awakening is achieved by following the 12-step principles of AA, which results in behavioral changes leading to improved sobriety outcomes. Changes in behavior have been explained by the Social Cognitive Theory, which posits that behavior results from a reciprocal interaction between the individual and the environment. Utilizing transcendental phenomenology, thirteen members of AA were given open-ended interviews, focus group observational data were collected, and data from focus groups were obtained. Data were transcribed, thematically analyzed, and coded using qualitative data analysis software to conceptualize key themes of the experiences. Six key themes emerged, including the spiritual journey, continuous practice of the 12 steps, connection with members of the fellowship, a shift in attitude and perception, service work, and the use of program resources. Further research to understand spiritual aspects and AA’s role in behavior changes from addiction to recovery is necessary to understand and support AA as a method of treatment for alcoholism.

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