Predicting Treatment Intent for Partners of Alcoholics: The Importance of Social Support and Self-Efficacy in Intervention

This study employs Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) to understand the influential factors that affect Partners of Alcoholics (POA) and their intent to attend treatment among a sample of college students (N= 132). POA are a population at an increased risk for serious mental and physical health problems including mood disorders, depression, substance abuse, physical injury and intimate partner violence (IPV). Inconsistent and unavailable treatment can add stress to the relationship between partners and further contribute to the cyclical nature associated both with alcoholism and IPV. Traditional interventions for POA were considered and other factors that may influence an individual’s intent to attend treatment were examined.  

            Utilizing SCT, this study posits that self-efficacy, material, social, and outcome expectations combine with various socio-environmental barriers to predict the behavioral change intent for POA. Excessive alcohol use and interpersonal conflict is of special interest for college students who are in a time of transition and independence seeking. For many POA, isolation from others outside of the relationship (codependent enmeshment) is common. Examination of social risk and protective factors is critical, as partners and friends become increasingly influential to college students’ decision making processes when compared to family, other adults, and service providers. Additionally, existing literature utilizing SCT finds that lack of social support is one of the strongest predictors associated with risk for relapse and IPV and as such the rationale for this study is strengthened.  

            Through the use of both linear multiple regression and statistical equation modeling significant predictors were examined. Specifically, it was found that self-efficacy and instrumental outcome expectations significantly predicted behavioral change intent whereas positive social outcomes and social norms did not. Main barriers to treatment included cost and being forced to discuss personal issues. Cost as well had a large positive correlation with self-efficacy. These findings have tangible implications for future intervention programs. Due to the fact that self-efficacy was linked to financial affordability, as the most significant predictor of behavioral treatment intent, clear efforts must be made in intervention campaigns that provide inexpensive resources and treatment referrals. As well, intervention outreach must avoid ‘forcing’ discussion of difficult topics while also creating a nonjudgmental treatment setting. Finally, emphasizing the material benefit of treatment may improve future behavioral intent for POA. The main limitation to this study was the use of college students as a sample; future study comparing differing young adult populations is warranted.