The relationship of parental alcoholism and family dysfunction to stress among college students

The relationship between collegiate adult children of alcoholics (ACOAs) an d adult children from dysfunctional families (ACDFs) was examined to determ ine whether ACOAs and ACDFs were at greater risk of stress than non-ACOAs a nd non-ACDFs. The participants were 549 students from a midwestern universi ty. The data collection instruments were the Children of Alcoholics Screeni ng Test, 6-Item Version (CAST-6); the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Eval uation Scales, Version LI (FACES-II); and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). A substantial proportion of the sample was classified as ACOA, ACDF, or bo th, and there was considerable overlap between the two groups. Both ACOA an d ACDF status were found to be significant predictors of stress, with ACDF status being a better predictor than ACOA status. Possible explanations for the results and implications for collegiate wellness programs are discusse d.