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Chapter 9
Study 4: the main study. Results 2 9.0 Introduction
The suggestion from findings reported in Chapter 8, that changes in dependence occur over time, is further explored in this chapter. The study hypotheses, presented as null hypotheses, stated that dependence would endure over time and that the use of different types of coping strategies would not be distinguished by degree of dependence or change over time. In order to test these hypotheses, the nature of change in dependence is examined, findings regarding the other measures taken at each data collection point are described as potential correlates of change, and predictors of change are explored.
Samples used in the analyses are Sample 6a: those seen at intake and at three month follow-up, and Sample 6c: those seen at intake, at three month and at twelve month follow-up. Comparisons are not made between the samples as there is considerable overlap; all those in Sample 6c, the smallest sample, are also in Sample 6a and in Sample 6b. The analysis of data for Sample 6a was conducted for exploratory purposes initially, this being the larger sample. In each analysis the sample is specified and reasons for basing the analysis on each sample are given. Problems regarding the measurement of change are discussed in Chapter 10.
9.1 The change in dependence
In Chapter 8, significantly reduced mean dependence scores were reported at three months (t2) and at twelve months (t3) compared with intake (t1). When mean dependence scores at t2 were compared with those for t3, the latter were found to be lower but not significantly so. Thus mean dependence score was reduced over time up to three months, and it appeared that this reduction was maintained at twelve months. Further examination of the data revealed that this impression did not adequately describe the fluctuations for and between individuals in their dependence scores. Problems with group mean scores, discussed in Chapter 10, are illustrated by these findings, which are described in greater detail below.
Complexity in the course of change in dependence was further suggested by examination of the correlations among dependence scores: significant positive correlations were found between
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