Gratitude, insecure attachment, and positive outcomes among 12-step recovery program participants

Abstract

People in 12-step addiction recovery programs who have difficulty with social relationships and intimacy may be less likely to flourish given the highly social nature of 12-step programs. Gratitude is widely known among 12-step program members as a tool that facilitates well-being; in the field of positive psychology, gratitude is known for its prosocial qualities, including the development and maintenance of social relationships. However, there has been little research on gratitude in recovery, and no research that looks at people’s characteristic approach to closeness and intimacy (i.e. attachment style) and gratitude in recovery. In a sample of 184 members of 12-step addiction recovery programs (Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous) we examined whether people who were more grateful reported higher positive indicators of recovery (i.e. 12-step program practices, AA promises), and better general life outcomes (i.e. more post-traumatic growth and social support; less stress and health symptoms). We also investigated whether gratitude was more important for people in recovery who have higher attachment anxiety or attachment avoidance. In line with our predictions, we found that higher levels of gratitude were positively associated with 12-step practices, AA promises, post-traumatic growth, and social support; and negatively associated with stress and health symptoms. Further, we discovered that when people with higher attachment avoidance (but not anxiety) were also grateful, they reported better outcomes. Findings suggest that gratitude is an important factor in this population that warrants further exploration. Future research might benefit from longitudinal or experimental methods that examine whether gratitude is an antecedent to or a result of 12-step practices, AA promises, post-traumatic growth, and social support.