COPING AMONG NONCLINICAL COLLEGE-AGE CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS

Much of what is currently known about adult children of alcoholics (ACAs) is based either on clinical observation or on research with clinical populations. This study extends prior research by (a) comparing 40 nonclinical college-age ACAs to 40 nonclinical college-age non-ACAs on problem-solving appraisal, perceived social support, shame, suicidal ideation, and substance use; (b) examining gender differences among ACAs on these 5 variables; and (c) exploring relations between problem-solving appraisal, perceived social support, and shame in predicting suicidal ideation and substance use. ACA participants were found to be similar to their non-ACA peers on all measures, and no gender differences among ACAs were found.