EARLY BACKGROUND VARIABLES AS PREDICTORS OF ADULT ALCOHOL-PROBLEMS IN WOMEN

This study examines the extent to which the influence of family history of alcoholism is mediated through early environmental stress. A series of bivariate and regression analyses were conducted to examine the predictive value of selected early life experiences and perceptions: 1) a positive family history for alcoholism, including the effect of the specific relationship to the alcoholic family member; 2) early life events; and 3) perceptions of positive and negative relationships during childhood. Results are consistent with a stress-diathesis model in which family history is the strongest predictor of alcoholism in women, with each family member, particularly mother, making a unique contribution. Conflict with parents also predicts membership in the clinical sample.