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Adult Children of Alcoholics: An Exploration of Axis II Disorders and Replicated Dysfunctional Family Patterns

NCJ Number
134310
Journal
Journal of Family Violence Volume: 6 Issue: 4 Dated: (December 1991) Pages: 319-335
Author(s)
V L C Weatherford; E R Kaufman
Date Published
1991
Length
17 pages
Annotation
Axis II personality disorders and replicated dysfunctional family patterns were examined in adult children of alcoholics (ACAs) at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center.
Abstract
Using structured clinical interviews, 60 ACAs were assessed regarding paternal and spousal confirming and disconfirming communication patterns and self-report measures of replicated physical, sexual, and emotional abuse by their families of origin. Sixty-five percent met DSM-IIIR criteria for one or more Axis II disorders, primarily the Borderline and Self-Defeating types. The percentage of ACA males with antisocial personality disorder and passive-aggressive personality disorder were higher than for females. Failure to feel valued by ones' alcoholic parent was significantly associated with ACA Axis II disorders and alcohol abuse. Eighty percent of the ACAs reported emotional abuse, 35 percent reported physical abuse, and 24 percent reported sexual abuse by at least one parent. This experience was strikingly replicated in ACAs choice of marital partner and significant adult relationships as was dysfunctional communication. Significant relationships between alcohol and sexual abuse and Axis II pathology were found. Identification of Axis II diagnoses may assist in the selection of treatment and in the prediction of therapy outcome. 58 references (Author abstract modified)