Abstract

The suggestion that habitual dysfunctional behavior disorders (HDBs) have a common underlying cluster of addictive characteristics and dynamics is new. A broad research base which would support this theory has not kept current with clinical In order successes. In order to address the need for relevant research, an anonymous cross sectional study was designed to identify, describe and compare variables associated with 15 habitual dysfunctional behaviors (HDBs) in a sample (N =176) from a broad spectrum of socioeconomic groups.

People reporting two different HDBs (alcohol and food-related behaviors) were compared to those not reporting any HDBs on levels of four focus variables: stress, childhood exposure to trauma and dysfunctional modeling, core-self health, and characteristics of adult children from dysfunctional families (co-dependency).

As predicted, there were significant differences between the groups with HDBs and the group with no HDB’s. Also as predicted, there were no differences between the alcohol and the food groups. Finally, the four variables predicted 45% of the variance in the total habitual behavior score.

The findings of this study strengthen the theory that addiction has a common cluster of characteristics and is manifested by a variety of dysfunctional behaviors, This supports the current clinical practice of applying effective interventions developed for one HDB for use with other HDBs. Interventions which target the underlying cluster of characteristics rather than the specific behavior exhibited could prove efficient and highly effective for a variety of HDBs. Incorporating stress reduction techniques, solving the problems of co-dependency or painful relationships, utilizing practices which promote the health of the core-self and the resolution of previous trauma, are likely to improve treatment outcomes.

School

School of Public Health

First Advisor

Christine Neish

Second Advisor

Joyce Hopp

Third Advisor

Gunter Reiss

Fourth Advisor

Helen Hopp

Degree Name

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

Degree Level

Ph.D.

Year Degree Awarded

1992

Date (Title Page)

6-1992

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Behavior, Addictive; Habits; Behavior Therapy

Type

Dissertation

Page Count

xi; 141

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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