The Incidence of Adult Children of Alcoholics in a Midwestern Diploma School of Nursing

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of adult children of alcoholics (ACOA) among the students and faculty in a Midwestern diploma school of nursing. The sample included 201 students and 17 members of the faculty. The instrument used was the Children of Alcoholics Screening Test(C.A.S.T.) (Jones, 1981). A questionnaire to elicit demographic and self-report data regarding the participant's marital starus, drinking patterns and level of concern over personal drinking behavior was also administered. Analysis indicated 23% of the overall sample were ACOA and 8% were children of problem drinkers. In the student sample, 23% were ACOA and 8% were children of problem drinkers; 29% of the faculty were ACOA and 6% were children of problem drinkers. The total C.A.S.T. (Jones, 1981) score was significantly greater in those subjects who identified either parent as alcoholic. Married subjects were significantly more concerned (p =.04) about personal drinking patterns than were single or divorced subjects. There was also significantly greater concern about personal drinking patterns when a father was identified as alcoholic in the overall and faculty groups (p =.03). Limitations of the study and recommendations for further research conclude the discussion.