Diversifying childhood experiences of Adult Children of Alcoholics

Introduction. The aim of the research was to determine the differing childhood experiences of Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACoA). We therefore sought to gain a typological picture of ACoA childhood experience in the context of risk factors and protective factors in the scope of the family structure-risk factors like violence, parental conflict, parental mental disorders, their image as well as parental practice. Method.The research applied G4sior's Family of Origin Dysfunctionality Scale (SDRP) and CAST (Children of Alcoholics Screening Test). The research group included 395 Adult Children of Alcoholics, both in therapy (48 alcohol dependent) and not in therapy. Average age 29 years. Statistical analysis included factor analysis and analysis of variance. Results. There were three basic types of ACoA experiences. Severe risk factors (alcoholism and violence) in the family of origin together with negative images and dysfunctional practices by both parents typify the high-risk type. In the moderately affected type, childhood experiences are associated with milder family of origin dysfunction and with better functioning of the mother and using functional practices in contrast to the father. The incidence of risk factors was moderate. In the last family of origin type there was a low incidence of risk factors, the family structure was not disordered and parents fulfilled their functions well. Among the protective factors, the function of the non-drinking parent and positive parental practices related to care and control were primary. Other important protective factors were good sibling relations, socio-economic family status and support from outside the family. Conclusions. The relation between risk and protective factors in ACoA families requires further research. (C) 2014, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology in Warsaw. Production and hosting by Elsevier Urban&Partner Sp. z o.o. All rights reserved