Stigma of alcohol dependency and its impact on recovery
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Stigma of alcohol dependency and exploring its impact on recovery
IRAS ID
131436
Contact name
Tim Laxton
Contact email
Research summary
Stigma directly associated with alcohol dependency has been seen to deter and prevent treatment seeking (Fortney et al., 2004; Kushner and Sher, 1991). To help understand the causes of stigma and the impact it has on alcohol dependency treatment it is important to know both treatment providers and users perceptions and needs. A sample of approximately 60 adults (30 service providers of alcohol dependency treatment & 30 service users who have been in treatment or are in treatment for alcohol dependence) will be involved in the study. This study will be undertaken in 2 stages with each stage of the study taking place in treatment centres across Lanarkshire. The first stage will consist of 20 one to one semi structured interviews (10 service providers and 10 service users) lasting 60 minutes. The second stage uses Q methodology and will involve individuals (20 service providers and 20 service users) arranging statements in order of their preference lasting approximately 60 minutes.Q methodology will be used in the second stage of the study in order to explore and identify participant’s perceptions of stigma of alcohol dependency and its impact on recovery. Q methodology is a mixed method which combines both qualitative and quantitative techniques. Respondents will be presented with a set of cards with printed statements relating to different features of recovery for alcohol dependence. They ‘rank order’ these cards onto a grid according to an instruction such as ‘services I like’ through to ‘services I dislike’.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 3
REC reference
14/WS/0064
Date of REC Opinion
27 Jun 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion