Bottoming out experiences: factor analyses and moderating effects of gender and race

AbstractThe Bottoming Out Experience (BOE) is thought to be the accumulation of negative experiences for those with Substance Use Disorders (SUDs). This study aimed to bridge research and the narrative utilized in 12-step programs by quantifying the construct of the BOE. To do this, we examined the factor structure of the BOE using negative experiences that have been associated with change for individuals at the intake level. We also tested for variances in factor loadings of the BOE between gender and ethnicity to understand moderating effects. Archival data from the Center from Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) was used, specifically data from the Global Appraisal of Individual Needs (GAIN). We hypothesized that identified negative experiences would load into a unidimensional model. Hypothesis one was rejected, due to exploratory factor analysis results. Thus, we created five subfactors (F1: mental distress and trauma; F2: stress; F3: substance use levels; F4: risky behaviors, and F5: financial problems)...