An attributional analysis of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Because A.A. encourages alcoholics to attribute past alcoholism to external forces rather than personal characteristics, it enables alcoholics to develop a positive self-image, redirect blame and assuage guilt. This absolvement of responsibility for past behavior, combined with present responsibility for accepting the help necessary for future abstinence, can lead to continuing abstinence.
D000436:Alcoholics Anonymous; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D001290:Attitude; D006801:Humans