ADULT CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS

In this study, the author investigated the relationship between parent al alcoholism and psychological distress and the mediating effects of social support and hardiness. The sample (N = 228 college students) co nsisted of n = 62 adult children of alcoholics (ACAs) and n = 166 non- ACAs. Data analysis indicated that parental alcoholism was positively related to psychological distress. Consistent with expectations, highe r levels of social support and hardiness were associated with lower le vels of psychological distress. No mediating effects of social support and hardiness, however, were found. Implications for current theories and therapeutic approaches that regard ACAs as being at increased ris k for psychological distress are discussed.