Predicting Alcoholism and Personality Disorder in a 33‐year Longitudinal Study of Children of Alcoholics

Summary The authors examine adolescent adjustments and the antecedents of DSM‐III alcoholism and DSM‐III personality disorder in a 33‐year longitudinal study of inner‐city, non‐delinquent sons of alcoholic men (COA's). In early adolescence, the 174 COA's (38% of the sample) had more alcoholic relatives (in addition to fathers), more non‐Mediterranean ethnicity, more environmental stresses, and poorer adjustments than their non‐COA peers. Poor adolescent adjustment among COA's was associated with having a poor relationship with one's mother. By midlife, 28% of the COA's had developed alcohol dependence, and 25% were diagnosed with at least one personality disorder. Personality disorder but not alcoholism had strong continuities with adolescent adjustment problems. Alcohol dependence was predicted by total number of alcoholic relatives, non‐Mediterranean ethnicity, low SES, and school behavior problems. Personality disorder was predicted by total environmental weaknesses, poor maternal relationships, low IQ, and feelings of inadequacy.