Anonyma Alkoholister : Vilken inverkan självhjälpsgruppen har på gruppdeltagarnas välbefinnande

Sammanfattning: Abstract We are interested in group meetings of the self-help group Alcoholic Anonymous and the emotional energy created therein. We examine which impact self-help group AA has on its group participants regarding: group meetings, dealing with alcoholism and identity. Group membership has great value for individuals; it provides social identity and possibility to self-value. Previous research shows that group members of self-help groups who have been sober for a period of time experience higher self-esteem and less anxiety compared to non-members. Our thesis is based on a hermeneutic approach. The focus in this approach lies in the way people think, feel and experience a specific phenomenon. We have three different topics; group meetings, alcoholism and identity. Based on the results and analysis, we can conclude that our informants have been increased well-being and better quality of life since they started going to AA. The results show a clear pattern of group meetings have helped the informants to handle and process emotions like shame by sharing with them and listen to others' experiences. The deference emotion system is a way to avoid feelings such as shame through conformance in various situations, which makes you behave in conformity to refrain rejection. The high emotional energy of the interviewees were in coming to AA meetings is what helps them to become sober. Shame as the stigma previously led to disappear when the emotional energy increases as informants are becoming more receptive to advice on how to deal with the stigma. The processing of the stigma helps to become aware of their social identity as an alcoholic. The high level of emotional energy increases the self-esteem which makes it easier for individuals to fit into their community while being able to be themselves. This is the result of a successful interaction ritual chain.