The relationship of parental alcoholism to adult personality traits /
| Main Author: | |
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| Other Authors: | , , |
| Format: | Thesis Book |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
1990.
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | ProQuest, Abstract Link to OAKTrust copy |
| Abstract: | The main purpose of this study was to compare the pathology levels and personality traits of Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOAs) to those of their peers without parental alcoholism, and to assess the possible specific areas of dysfunction of these two groups. A second purpose was to determine if ACOAs are typified by a distinct "syndrome" or array of personality traits. A third purpose was to compare the family backgrounds of ACOAs and non-ACOAs and to identify possible childhood conditions which may moderate adult pathology. A sample group of 20 ACOA subjects and 20 non-ACOA subjects was selected from 106 undergraduate student volunteers who were administered the MMPI-2, the CAST, and a family demographic questionnaire. MMPI-2 Basic, Supplementary, and Content Scale scores were compared for the two groups by mean scores, percent of scale elevations, individual elevations within scale groups, gender, and frequency of high two-point codes on the Basic scale. The Cooke Disturbance Index was used as a measure of overall functioning. Responses to the questionnaire were also compared for the two groups. Means for both groups on all scales were found to be within the normal range, indicating no areas of pathology for either group as a whole. No gender differences were found within either group and no high two-point code typified either ACOAs or non-ACOAs. However, ACOAs had more elevations on the Ma, MT, ANG, CYN, and FAM scales, as well as the Cooke Disturbance Index, and had more low scores on the R scale. ACOAs differed from non-ACOAs on only one background variable, that of having no extraparental nurturer during childhood. Healthier subjects in the sample as a whole were more likely to be characterized by larger families, sustaining religious faith, enjoyment of school, and non-treatment status. It was concluded that although ACOAs are at increased risk for specific psychological problems, ACOA status is not in itself a sufficient condition to produce significant pathology, as half or more of ACOAs in this study appear to be well-adjusted. Ramifications for prevention and treatment were discussed. |
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| Item Description: | Typescript (photocopy). Vita. "Major subject: Counseling psychology." |
| Physical Description: | ix, 154 leaves : illustrations ; 29 cm |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references. |