AA studying

Question 1

what type of groups are involved in AA

Answer 1

religious groups and friendship groups

Question 2

what type of group is AA

Answer 2

a support group for individuals with shared experiences with alcohol and a common goal; recovery from alcohol addiction (sobriety)

Question 3

why might members join AA

Answer 3

members come together based on common values, for example sobriety, honesty, security, and peer support.

Question 4

how might joining AA improve wellbeing

Answer 4

specific needs (SHE-SEA (safety and security, health, education, sense of identity, employment, adequate standard of living)), wellbeing (SPEECS (social, physical, emotional, economical, cultural, spiritual))

Question 5

how might AA create/improve religious groups

Answer 5

while AA is not tied to any specific religion, nor does it pressure members to conform to religious aspects, AA encourages belief in a higher power personally to give members a spiritual foundation. during meetings, members may practice prayer and other religious practices

Question 6

how might AA create/improve friendship groups

Answer 6

AA may create and strengthen social bonds between members through the sharing of each others experiences. this may develop friendships and social bonds between one another. these bonds made may continue outside of AA meetings, leading to ongoing emotional support for members.

Question 7

why did AA form ?

Answer 7

specific need - AA exists specifically to meet the needs of individuals struggling with alcohol dependency. it addresses emotional, physical, social, and sometimes economic and spiritual wellbeing

social interaction - AA meetings offer regular chances for meaningful connection, helping reduce isolation for members. members share experiences and stories with their own alcoholic dependency journey, and support from other members bring them closer together.

shared interest / common goal - all members share a common goal of achieving and maintaining sobriety. members share values like honesty, accountability, and mutual support.

security - AA meetings provide a safe, judgement-free environment where members feel supported and respected. it gives members a sense of emotional and psychological security during recovery.

other reasons - some people join AA to help others after finding sobriety themselves. others may join this organisation to lead AA groups and support others.

Question 8

what are the roles of individuals within AA

Answer 8

task orientated - focused on getting things done, running the group, and achieving goals (like staying sober). example: members and leaders of meetings.

socio-emotional roles - focused on supporting members emotionally and maintaining a caring respectful environment. example: supportive member who checks in and encourages others, leader of meetings,

destructive roles - slow progress or create conflict. example: over-sharer, side-talker, negative influence, unwilling member

Question 9

factors that contribute to the roles people adopt within groups in AA

Answer 9

personal factors
- self esteem
- self confidence
- sense of belonging
- education
- heredity
- previous experience
- culture

social factors
- relationship with members
- attitudes of group members
- media
- gender expectations

Question 10

what are the power bases in AA

Answer 10

legitimate power (when power comes from a designated role or official position) - example; the chairperson of a local AA meeting.

reward power (when power comes from the ability to offer incentives or praise) - example; a sponsor who gives positive reinforcement for milestones

coercive power (power comes from the ability to punish or withdraw privileges) - example; a group dynamic where a member is pressured to conform or risk exclusion

referent power (when power is based on personal traits, charisma, or admiration) - example; a long term sober member admired by others for their strength or storytelling

expert power (when power is given through knowledge and skills) - example; a member with deep knowledge of AA traditions or addiction psychology.

Question 11

what are the leadership styles in AA

Answer 11

self leadership - the ability to lead yourself by managing your own thoughts, emotions, and behaviours to achieve personal goals

autocratic - leader makes decisions alone, expects others to follow.

democratic - leader consults with the group and values collective input.

laissez-faire - leader provides little direction and gives group members autonomy.

transformational - leader inspires others through vision, motivation, and personal exampless