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Depression and Anxiety Among Adult Children of Alcoholics How

children of alcoholics (88 females and 30 males) and adult children of nonalcoholics (235 females and 72 males).

Adult children of alcoholics reported more symptomatology indicative of depression and general maladjustment than did adult children of non-alcoholics. However, gender of adult children of alcoholics and gender of alcoholic parent were not significant predictors of psychopathology. Levels of symptomatology indicative of psychopathology were higher in adult children of alcoholics than in adult children of non-alcoholics; however, the findings provided no support for the hypothesis that gender influences dimensions of psychopathology.

What factors are believed to cause alcoholism in general and alcoholism in children of alcoholics in particular? In the general condition, genetics appear to play a role, specifically through a gene linked to the receptors for dopamine, a brain chemical involved in the sensation of pleasure; however, the search for a specific gene responsible for alcoholism has been disappointing. Learning mechanisms are also a factor in alcoholism. Specifically, alcohol has a sort of double reinforcer effect. First, it has a positive reinforcing effects (pleasure or euphoria) that operates through a common biological mechanism; and, second, it can act as a negative reinforcer by terminating distress or feelings of dysphoria.

Of course, the psychosocial and genetic factors that contribute to the general condition of alcoholics also influence alcohol abuse behavior in adult children of alcoholics who are themselves alcoholic. However, a number of additional psychosocial factors place pressure on adult children of alcoholics to engage in abusive drinking behavior themselves. Adult children of alcoholics experience added pressure to drink as a function of several family environment factors, including poor parenting, physical abuse occurring as the result of parental alcoholism, and authorit...

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Depression and Anxiety Among Adult Children of Alcoholics How. (1969, December 31). In LotsofEssays.com. Retrieved 05:28, March 28, 2024, from https://www.lotsofessays.com/viewpaper/1708031.html