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Measuring the discrepancy between current and ideal spiritual and religious functioning in problem drinkers
Stephen M Saunders1, Valerie Lucas, Lesley Kuras
1Department of Psychology, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA. stephen.saunders@mu.edu
Summary
Spiritual and religious functioning (SRF) discrepancies correlate with alcohol misuse. A new scale measures these gaps, showing individuals with drinking problems report greater differences between current and ideal SRF.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Addiction Research
Background:
- The association between spiritual and religious functioning (SRF) and alcohol misuse is recognized but often limited by research methodology.
- Problems in SRF are understood as discrepancies between an individual's current and ideal state of spiritual or religious engagement.
- Existing research methods struggle to adequately capture the nuances of SRF in relation to alcohol problems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a scale measuring the subjective importance and adequacy of SRF aspects linked to alcohol misuse.
- To assess the internal consistency and temporal stability of the developed SRF questionnaire.
- To evaluate the scale's validity in differentiating between individuals with and without alcohol problems.
Main Methods:
- Two studies were conducted: Study 1 focused on scale development and psychometric properties (internal consistency, temporal stability).
- Study 2 administered the questionnaire to two groups: individuals seeking alcohol treatment and a control group with no treatment history.
- Data analysis involved comparing SRF discrepancy scores between the clinical and control groups.
Main Results:
- The developed questionnaire demonstrated good internal consistency and temporal stability in Study 1.
- Individuals with alcohol problems reported significantly larger discrepancies between their current and ideal SRF compared to those without drinking problems in Study 2.
- These findings support the validity of the SRF discrepancy measure as an indicator of alcohol-related problems.
Conclusions:
- The newly developed scale effectively measures discrepancies in spiritual and religious functioning (SRF).
- Significant SRF discrepancies are valid indicators of alcohol misuse.
- This measurement approach offers potential utility for both clinical treatment and future research in addiction.
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