Addictive behaviors: relationship factors and their perceived influence on change

An empirical study of a British clinical population is reported, in which the influence of relationships on confidence in maintaining change across a number of addictive behaviors was investigated. The hypothesis was that the perceived quality of relationships would be correlated with a client's confidence in sustaining abstinence or change. It was also thought that qualitative data would help clarify some of the underlying processes mediating such a link if it were established. The results largely supported the predictions, although relationship difficulties were significantly more common in gamblers and alcoholics compared with smokers and overeaters. The discussion develops the view that the notion of emotional disclosure and system theory's emphasis on circular causality are particularly useful concepts in making sense of the data.