Reliability and discriminant validity of the Type I/II and Type A/B alcoholic subtype classifications in untreated problem drinkers: a test of the Apollonian-Dionysian hypothesis
Km. Carpenter et Ds. Hasin, Reliability and discriminant validity of the Type I/II and Type A/B alcoholic subtype classifications in untreated problem drinkers: a test of the Apollonian-Dionysian hypothesis, DRUG AL DEP, 63(1), 2001, pp. 51-67
The present study tested the hypothesis that there are two broad groups of
problem drinkers: the Apollonian-Dionysian distinction. Apollonian drinkers
are defined by a later onset of alcohol problems, a slower developmental c
ourse, and less problem severity. Dionysian drinkers are defined by more se
vere alcohol problems, an earlier onset. and worse prognosis. The discrimin
ant validity and classification agreement of five operations of the Apollon
ian-Dionysian model were tested in a general population (n = 8643) and comm
unity sample (n = 664). A kappa -means cluster analysis supported the Apoll
onian-Dionysian distinction. Dionysian problem drinkers were more likely to
be males, report greater alcohol consumption, more alcohol related antisoc
ial behavior, have a current DSM-IV alcohol dependence diagnosis. and comor
bid depression. Apollonian problem drinkers were more prevalent in the gene
ral population and reported less severe drinking problems. Classification a
greement was stronger for subtype models that incorporate dimensions of alc
ohol use and/or the frequency of negative consequences. Babor's Type A-Type
B model demonstrated the strongest reliability and consistency over time.
(C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.