Abstract
The present study investigated whether the Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families (ACA) 12-step recovery model might be relevant to reducing toxic workplace behavior. Seventeen participants in the ACA program were interviewed to answer what changes in work-life are experienced by those who have worked in the ACA program and what components of ACA do practitioners believe have been most influential in their work-life changes? Interviewees reported experiencing positive results in their work lives, categorized by internal, philosophical changes, changes in behavior regarding interpersonal issues, changes in behavior regarding issues of self, and changes in overall outcome. These findings suggest that the ACA model is relevant to toxic workplace behavior and provides a potential list of requirements for an ACA-principled program should one be ported to the workplace. Discussion is provided around implications for practice and recommendations for future research.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Adult children of alcoholics; Work environment; Twelve-step program; Quality of work life
Date of Award
2023
School Affiliation
Graziadio Business School
Department/Program
Business
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Masters
Faculty Advisor
Ann Feyerherm
Recommended Citation
DeVandry, Matthew D., "Recovery at work: seeking relief from toxic workplace behavior through the adult children of alcoholics and dysfunctional families model" (2023). Theses and Dissertations. 1356.
https://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/etd/1356