The Ambiguous Loss of Alcohol Use Disorders for Affected Family Members: Factors that Affect Resilience Versus Distress
Type of Presentation
Workshop
Location
D2401C
Start Date
4-16-2025 3:30 PM
End Date
4-16-2025 4:15 PM
Description of Program
There are two specific theories relevant to the mental health of affected family members of people with Alcohol Use Disorders (AUD) with minimal exploration in previous research. Specifically, ambiguous loss theory is a grief conceptualization, in which people can be physically present yet psychologically absent, or psychologically present yet physically absent (Boss, 2006). Relational frame theory describes how human language and cognition can create and exacerbate human suffering by creating psychological inflexibility (Hayes, 2004). The relevance of current research and previous theories will be explored for affected family members. Based on current research, specific counseling interventions will be recommended to enhance family members’ resilience and minimize their distress.
Abstract
Alcohol Use Disorders (AUD) destroy the health of many afflicted people as well as their affected family members (AFMs). The purpose of this research was to explore relevant variables for AFMs based on ambiguous loss theory and relational frame theory. In this study, 310 AFMs completed online surveys through MTurk. Differences in AFMs’ Al-Anon involvement (i.e., no involvement, newcomer, member) were investigated relative to psychological flexibility, psychological inflexibility, boundary ambiguity, distress, and ambiguous loss resilience (i.e., ambiguity tolerance). Results indicated Al-Anon involvement was not a significant variable in relation to AFMs’ distress or ambiguity tolerance outcomes. Psychological flexibility, psychological inflexibility, and boundary ambiguity explained 61.2% of the total variance in AFMs’ distress outcomes (R² = .612, F(3, 304) = 162.114, p < .000). Psychological flexibility, psychological inflexibility, and boundary ambiguity explained 24.1% of the total variance in AFMs’ ambiguity tolerance outcomes (R² = .241, F(3, 303) = 33.467, p < .000). Evidence indicated psychological inflexibility was the most important predictor variable relative to AFMs’ distress and ambiguity tolerance outcomes.
The Ambiguous Loss of Alcohol Use Disorders for Affected Family Members: Factors that Affect Resilience Versus Distress
D2401C
Alcohol Use Disorders (AUD) destroy the health of many afflicted people as well as their affected family members (AFMs). The purpose of this research was to explore relevant variables for AFMs based on ambiguous loss theory and relational frame theory. In this study, 310 AFMs completed online surveys through MTurk. Differences in AFMs’ Al-Anon involvement (i.e., no involvement, newcomer, member) were investigated relative to psychological flexibility, psychological inflexibility, boundary ambiguity, distress, and ambiguous loss resilience (i.e., ambiguity tolerance). Results indicated Al-Anon involvement was not a significant variable in relation to AFMs’ distress or ambiguity tolerance outcomes. Psychological flexibility, psychological inflexibility, and boundary ambiguity explained 61.2% of the total variance in AFMs’ distress outcomes (R² = .612, F(3, 304) = 162.114, p < .000). Psychological flexibility, psychological inflexibility, and boundary ambiguity explained 24.1% of the total variance in AFMs’ ambiguity tolerance outcomes (R² = .241, F(3, 303) = 33.467, p < .000). Evidence indicated psychological inflexibility was the most important predictor variable relative to AFMs’ distress and ambiguity tolerance outcomes.