Using Metaphors to Explore the Experiences of Powerlessness among Women in 12-Step RecoverySubstance Use & Misuse, Volume 43, Issue 8 & 9 July 2008 , pages 1027 - 1044
12-Step programs of substance abuse1 recovery are the most utilized mutual-help models in the United States. A pivotal aspect of 12-Step is the often-controversial idea of powerlessness. There is debate about the usefulness of the concept of powerlessness, especially for women in recovery.
This study used a metaphor-elicitation interviewing technique to examine the experiences of powerlessness among 13 women of varied racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, ages 21 to 60, who had an average of 9.5 years of recovery. Interviews were conducted during a 6-month span between 2004 and 2005 in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Open and axial coding was used to determine emergent themes.
Concepts of powerlessness were found to be process oriented and developmental. Some metaphors indicated positive emotions around powerlessness such as relief, whereas others indicated negative emotions such as fear.
Implications for future research and study strengths and limitations are included.
This study used a metaphor-elicitation interviewing technique to examine the experiences of powerlessness among 13 women of varied racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, ages 21 to 60, who had an average of 9.5 years of recovery. Interviews were conducted during a 6-month span between 2004 and 2005 in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Open and axial coding was used to determine emergent themes.
Concepts of powerlessness were found to be process oriented and developmental. Some metaphors indicated positive emotions around powerlessness such as relief, whereas others indicated negative emotions such as fear.
Implications for future research and study strengths and limitations are included.
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