A correlational study of self-esteem and family support in adult children of alcoholics and adult children of non-alcoholics

by Kraemer, Jennifer Lynn.

Kraemer Jennifer L. (Writer) (Last Name) (First) (Initial) A Correlational Study of Self-Esteem And Family Support In Adult Children Of Alcoholics And Adult Children Of Non-Alcoholics (Title) Guidance & Counseling In Mental Health Anne Ramage, Psy.D. Dec. 1999 54 pg. (Graduate Major) (Research Advisor) (Month/year) (pages) American Psychological Association (APA) Publication Manual (Name of Style Manual Used in this Study) The first purpose of this study is to determine the level of difference between Adult Children of Alcoholics and Adult Children of Non-Alcoholics in self-esteem as measured by the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale (TSCS:2) and its subscales. The second purpose of the study is to determine the level of difference between Adult Children of Alcoholics and Adult Children of Non-Alcoholics in emotional support within their families as measured by the Family Environment Scale (FES) and its subscales. Despite the association of low self-esteem and alcoholism in the home, information is sparse about the relationship between the three factors- self-esteem, alcoholism in the home, and emotional support in the family. The research regarding alcoholism and levels of self-esteem is contradictory. Some studies find no difference and others find that alcoholism in the home does produce lower levels of self-esteem in offspring. There are studies that identify a correlation between strong emotional support in the family and high levels of self-esteem, despite the alcoholism. The results of this research study indicated no statistically significant difference in level of self-esteem in Adult Children of Alcoholics as compared to Adult Children of Non-Alcoholics when looking at the total score. Significant differences on the family subscale of the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale were recognized at the 95 percent (.95) level. The Family Environment Scale resulted in statistically significant subscales of cohesion, conflict, and moral/religious emphasis when comparing Adult Children of Alcoholics and Adult Children of Non-Alcoholics. Although no strong correlation existed between self-esteem and Adult Children of Alcoholics, patterns did begin to form regarding family dynamics, self-esteem, and emotional support.