A Novel Positive Psychology Framework and Homework Resource for Drinking to Cope Behavior: A Case Study

An increasing amount of research documents that women are more likely than men to drink alcohol to cope in response to stress and negative affect. The purpose of this case study is to describe how a Homework Resource based on a novel positive psychological framework of empowered and disempowered patterns (Vitality Types) in behavior and cognition was applied as an assets-based approach in the clinical setting with a woman diagnosed with moderate alcohol use disorder. The framework was applied as an adjunct homework resource to promote positive self-perception and confidence to set healthy boundaries. Self-perception is a significant factor of psychological empowerment and found to be positively related to self-esteem. Through activities designed to enhance self-awareness, she developed personalized self-regulation strategies to manage her negative affect and problematic drinking behavior by learning to set healthy boundaries, manage emotions, and gain a more positive outlook. This case study provides preliminary evidence of feasibility and satisfaction of the Homework Resource for addressing moderate alcohol use disorder with stress and negative affect.