Dissertation Title:

An Exploration of Women in Long-Term Recovery from Alcoholism: A Phenomenological Study

Candidate:

Ericka E. Hofmeyer

Date, Time & Place:

June 3, 2017 at 4:30 pm
Studio, Lambert Road campus


Abstract

This study utilizes interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) and derives meaning from the lived experiences of 5 alcoholic women with over 20 years sober from alcohol and attending Alcoholics Anonymous. Semi-structured interview questions are coded to expose themes detailing early childhood experiences, consequences related to drinking, the sense of self, and the search for wholeness. A psychoanalytic perspective informs the underlying developmental aspects of alcoholism. The interviews reveal significant emotional, physical, and sexual trauma that produced a repetition compulsion and lack of groundedness within the self. The lack of an internal structure to modulate or process anxiety, frustration, and disappointment reinforces a false sense of self. This includes implosive and explosive primary and secondary defenses: childhood tantrums, thoughts of suicide, sexual promiscuity, compulsive lying, a lack of internal wholeness, eating disorders, impulsivity, and severe loneliness. Due to the lack of a healthy mother-infant unit, participants report an inability to internalize and create autonomy. Research indicates pervasive dependent personality problems, domestic violence, and socio-economic considerations affecting a women’s ability to seek treatment and remain sober. Language and gender biases in Alcoholics Anonymous and in treatment centers further hinders recovery. Research indicates that professionals working with alcoholic women need advanced training to best assist alcoholic women in creating wholeness. Research indicates the need for a recovery model that includes socioeconomic factors, cultural norms, trauma and women’s stories.

Note

Pacifica is pleased to invite you to the oral defense of Ericka E. Hofmeyer’s dissertation in Clinical Psychology.

If you are planning on attending, please remember these important notes:

All Oral Defense attendees must shuttle from the Best Western Hotel in Carpinteria. Because of Pacifica’s conditional use permit, which restricts campus parking, all guests of Pacifica must use our complimentary shuttle service to and from campus. Please call 896-1887 or 896-1888 for a shuttle pickup from the Best Western. A driver will pick you shortly and deliver you to the campus then return you to the Best Western when you are ready.

Students are on campus for coursework during this defense.  Please note the dining room is not available to guests of the oral defense, but only to those coursework students.

Thank you for your kind consideration of our grounds!

Details
  • Program/Track/Year: Clinical Psychology, Track O, 2011
  • Chair: Dr. Avedis Panajian
  • Reader: Dr. Christine Lewis
  • External Reader: Dr. William Rose
  • Keywords: Women, Alcoholism, Recovery, Psychoanalysis, Object Relations, Jung