Using autoethnography, performance praxis, and narrative theory, this thesis seeks to examine the discourses of the Recovery Industry in relationship to Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACoA). The Recovery Industry creates normalized identity scripts that may be problematic for some people who fall under this diagnosis/category. By using subversive performance praxis, the author hopes to rupture these dominant narratives in hope of creating new possibilities for identity narratives.

The primary objective of this study was the development and investigation of the psychometric properties of a measurement instrument based on the integrated model of behavior roles of offspring of alcoholic parents (Schneider, 1989,1995). The Behavior Role Scale was developed utilizing Crocker and Algina's (1986) 10 step instrument development process and deals directly with the concepts of the original models of behavior roles of offspring of alcoholic parents (Black, 1981; Booz-Allen & Hamilton, 1974; Deutsch, 1983; Kritzberg, 1985; Wegscheider, 1981). The first three steps of the instrument development were completed in an earlier investigation (Schneider, 1989). In this investigation, steps 4 - 8 were completed. The following activities were undertaken: step 4, the construction of an initial pool of items; step 5, the review and revision of the items with the assistance of a panel of experts; step 6, a preliminary tryout of the items in a pilot test; step 7, a field test of the instrument with a nonclinical sample of offspring of alcoholic parents and offspring of nonalcoholic parents; and, step 8, initial investigation of the psychometric properties of the behavior role scale. This investigation contributed the following findings. The field test yielded reliability estimates of .72 for the Caretaker, .67 for the Super Achiever, .86 for the Invisible One, .89 for the Jester, .78 for the Rebel, and an overall alpha of .88. Initial validity was indicated by the emergence of a five factor model as the most interpretable factor analysis solution. The performance of the Behavior Role Scale was also investigated using six validity issues identified in the literature. Offspring of alcoholic parents, offspring of nonalcoholic parents who had experienced a significant family disruption, and offspring of nonalcoholic parents who had not experienced a significant family disruption had significantly different scores with the Super Achiever, Invisible One, and Rebel roles. The three groups did not demonstrate significant differences with the Caretaker or Jester roles. Additional significant differences were discovered with the Jester and Rebel roles among offspring of alcoholic fathers when they were compared according to their fathers' pattern of drinking. The findings of this investigation add to the research evidence which suggests that refinements need to be made to improve the clinical and psycho-educational uses of the behavior roles of offspring of alcoholic parents. Recommendations for future research include submitting the Behavior Role Scale to construct validation studies in order to further refine its ability to measure behavior roles and to be of assistance to researchers seeking to unravel the complexities of life for more than 28 million offspring of alcoholic parents. / Education, Faculty of / Educational and Counselling Psychology, and Special Education (ECPS), Department of / Graduate

The primary objective of this study was to determine whether parental alcoholism significantly altered intergenerational relationship variables between parents and offspring. The intergenerational variables of fusion/individuation, intimacy, triangulation, intimidation, and personal authority were investigated. One hundred and ninety-five university undergraduates responded to a written questionnaire. Each participant signed a consent form, completed the Children of Alcoholics Screening Test (CAST), the Personal Authority in the Family System Questionnaire Version C (PAFS-QVC), and a demographic questionnaire. Based on CAST scores, subjects were divided into 44 Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOAs) and 151 Adult Children of NonAlcoholics (NonACOAs). Demographic data indicated that the overall sample was primarily composed of White, middle class, unmarried, undergraduates with a gender distribution of slightly more females than males. The ACOA group was represented by a two to one ratio of females to males, the majority of alcoholic parents were identified as male, the mean age for the ACOA's first awareness of parental alcoholism was 11.22 years, and the majority of ACOAs recognized parental alcoholism as being disruptive to the home environment. Multivariate analyses revealed that ACOAs differed from nonACOAs on the five dependent variables. Specifically, lower levels of intimacy and triangulation, along with an apparent trend towards lower levels of individuation were found within the parent-child relationship. The independent variables of offspring's gender, offspring's age at earliest awareness of parental alcoholism, offspring’s perceived home effect of parental alcoholism, and nonalcoholics parent's perceived home effect of parental alcoholism did not have a significant impact on the intergenerational dependent variables. / Ph. D.

The purpose of this study was to gather insights from recovering (from addictions) Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA) at Pathway to Recovery, Inc., Indianapolis, IN, who have participated in a pilot family addictions treatment group. This research gives evidence on the group counseling support that ACA group members reported they received and/or determined they needed to receive regarding: their (1) addictions and recovery; (2) specific family of origin roles; and (3) basic ACA issues; as well as information needed to continue living a healthy, productive, drug-free life-style, and; the assistance counselors/therapists could give in this endeavor.A case study methodology was used for this research. Eight informants were purposively selected from a total of 45 ACA group members. Three interviews were conducted with each of the eight informants. Retrospective, structured, and semi-structured interviews, as described by Fraenkel and Wallen (1996) were utilized. Since an interview guide was unavailable for use in this study, one was created.The following four conclusions were drawn from the results of this study:1. The evidence collected suggests that the eight informants benefited from the three-pronged (addictions, ACA issues, specific family role) Recovery, Inc.2. The evidence (detailed in Chapter Four) indicated that many of the actions described herein assisted informants after leaving the ACA group and that the group was responsible for many of the positive changes.3. Accepting oneself was identified most often as the step needed to achieve and maintain sobriety.4. Learning about family issues and studying childhood behaviors may be painful as well as helpful.Results of this study were not generalized beyond these eight informants. However, this study contributed new information to the field of addictions and family roles research by describing the actions, behaviors, thoughts and feelings of these eight informants. / Department of Educational Leadership

This participatory research journey looked at the lives of adult children of alcoholics, with particular reference to how identity is affected by growing up in a home where one or both parents are struggling with alcohol abuse, and how this struggle with identity carries through into adulthood. A study was made of the particular discourses which impacted negatively upon the child from this home and the manner in which the discourses had a negative impact later on as an adult. Through narrative pastoral conversations the possibilities for healing, as well as the barriers for healing were explored. Through this exploration alternative stories were created. A vital part of the study was focused upon the witnessing of the stories of the participants` lives and the acknowledgement of some of the events from their childhood that formed their identity and contributed to who they are today. / Practical Theology / M.Th. (Practical Theology)

<p>This article seeks to examine the effects alcohol abuse have on the growth of women and how, as adults, their lives are affected by this. It tries to encourage a better understanding and knowledge of these experiences and how instances of support and help have influenced the subject’s life, from childhood through to adulthood. Through 10 qualitative interviews of adult women, all affected by childhood alcohol abuse, the article tries to get a better understanding of how these women coped under these circumstances. The article attempts also to better understand how the women’s experiences of support during childhood have benefited them and how they feel as adults today.</p> / <p>Syftet med denna uppsats är att undersöka hur kvinnor som vuxit upp i familjer med alkoholmissbruk har upplevt sin uppväxt och hur vuxenlivet har blivit påverkat. Vi vill även få en ökad förståelse och kunskap om upplevelser av stöd och hjälp under de vuxna barnens barndom och fram till idag som vuxen. Genom tio kvalitativa intervjuer av vuxna kvinnor till alkoholmissbrukare har vi kunnat få en förståelse hur det var att växa upp med alkohol i familjen och hur de hanterade det som var problemfyllt. Vi ville få en förståelse hur de vuxna barnen upplevde stöd under sin barndom, vad som varit gynnande, samt hur de mår idag som vuxen.</p>

This article seeks to examine the effects alcohol abuse have on the growth of women and how, as adults, their lives are affected by this. It tries to encourage a better understanding and knowledge of these experiences and how instances of support and help have influenced the subject’s life, from childhood through to adulthood. Through 10 qualitative interviews of adult women, all affected by childhood alcohol abuse, the article tries to get a better understanding of how these women coped under these circumstances. The article attempts also to better understand how the women’s experiences of support during childhood have benefited them and how they feel as adults today. / Syftet med denna uppsats är att undersöka hur kvinnor som vuxit upp i familjer med alkoholmissbruk har upplevt sin uppväxt och hur vuxenlivet har blivit påverkat. Vi vill även få en ökad förståelse och kunskap om upplevelser av stöd och hjälp under de vuxna barnens barndom och fram till idag som vuxen. Genom tio kvalitativa intervjuer av vuxna kvinnor till alkoholmissbrukare har vi kunnat få en förståelse hur det var att växa upp med alkohol i familjen och hur de hanterade det som var problemfyllt. Vi ville få en förståelse hur de vuxna barnen upplevde stöd under sin barndom, vad som varit gynnande, samt hur de mår idag som vuxen.

This participatory research journey looked at the lives of adult children of alcoholics, with particular reference to how identity is affected by growing up in a home where one or both parents are struggling with alcohol abuse, and how this struggle with identity carries through into adulthood. A study was made of the particular discourses which impacted negatively upon the child from this home and the manner in which the discourses had a negative impact later on as an adult. Through narrative pastoral conversations the possibilities for healing, as well as the barriers for healing were explored. Through this exploration alternative stories were created. A vital part of the study was focused upon the witnessing of the stories of the participants` lives and the acknowledgement of some of the events from their childhood that formed their identity and contributed to who they are today. / Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology / M.Th. (Practical Theology)

Titled "Children of Addicted Parents", the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a psycho-educational group intervention for latency age children of alcoholics. The treatment group consisted of eleven children between the ages of eight and twelve, who have lived or who are living with an alcoholic parent or stepparent. Referrals were obtained from elementary school guidance counsellors, Family Service Agencies, Alcohol and Drug Programs and the Ministry of Social Services and Housing. The children and three therapists met one hour a week for nine weeks. The group's dual objectives include educating the children about alcoholism/drug addiction and its effect on the family as well as enhancing the childrens' inherent strengths by teaching strategies to increase self-esteem, problem solving and other coping skills. The program's objectives were carried out through brief lectures, discussion, film, art and therapeutic games. The treatment model has been evaluated using a quasi-experimental design. There was a significant change in the intensity of behaviour problems with a trend for a decrease in the number of problems, as well as a decrease in depression. In addition there was a tendency for an increase in self-esteem. / Arts, Faculty of / Social Work, School of / Graduate

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