2015 Association for Women in Psychology Conference

This study aims to predict whether or not a person will obtain sponsorship through the 12-step program based on Emotional Intelligence (EI) and coping style. The study also aims to predict whether quality of relationship with sponsor, along with EI and coping style, can predict alcohol and substance use outcomes. This is an important area of research because the existing literature support the notion that avoidant and poor interpersonal coping, low EI, and lack of sponsorship are associated with relapse for people trying to abstain from drugs and alcohol. Therefore, it is important to examine whether these traits make it more difficult to have a relationship with a sponsor and if, in turn, it becomes more difficult to stay sober without this relationship. The literature on sponsorship is sparse and those articles that do exist do not examine differences that may occur from sponsor to sponsor or within the sponsor-sponsee relationship. It is also important to examine whether EI, avoidant coping, and interpersonal coping skills directly relate to abstinence goals. This study will employ multiple regression analyses with EI, interpersonal coping, and avoidant coping acting as predictor variables and frequency of contact with sponsor acting as a moderator variable. A separate analysis will be run to determine if quality of relationship with sponsor can predict alcohol and substance use outcomes, with quality of relationship with sponsor acting as a predictor variable. All participants must be at least 18 years of age and meet the criteria for alcohol or substance abuse or dependence via self-report. Participants must also have been sponsored at some point, although current sponsorship is not necessary. This study also aims to create a reliable measure that will examine the quality of relationship with sponsor through a 12-step program.