Purpose in life and personal values among adult alcoholics

Abstract

Ideas of purpose and meaning in life, religious or spiritual values, belief in a Higher Power, and related constructs often play an important role in traditional alcoholism rehabilitation approaches, but very few data are available. Consequently, 49 males and 8 females in a 30-day inpatient treatment program for alcoholics were given the Purpose in Life (PIL) test and Study of Values (SOV) shortly after admission to the hospital and again just before discharge. Results indicated: (1) significant increases in PIL scores; (2) no significant dissimilarities between alcoholics and normals on the SPV; and (3) significant correlations between PIL and the Aesthetic and Religious scales of the SOV on the second administration only. Results were discussed in terms of future directions for research and implications for treatment.