title: Couples at risk for transmission of alcoholism: protective influences.
abstract: A two-generation, sociocultural model of the transmission of alcoholism in families was operationalized and tested. Sixty-eight married children of alcoholic parents and their spouses were interviewed regarding dinner-time and holiday ritual practices in their families of origin, and heritage and ritual practices in the couples' current generation. Coders rated transcribed interviews along 14 theory-derived predictor variables, nine for the family of origin and five for the current nuclear family. Multiple regression analysis was applied in a two-step hierarchical method, with the dependent variable being transmission of alcoholism to the couple. The 14 predictor variables contributed significantly (p less than .01) to the couple's alcoholism outcome. A general theme of selective disengagement and reengagement for couples in families at risk for alcoholism recurrence is discussed.
mesh_terms: D000437:Alcoholism / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology*; D001722:Birth Order; D005190:Family; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006693:Holidays; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012306:Risk; D012737:Sex Factors