The Social Functioning of Adolescent Children of Alcoholics: Attachment as an Intervening Variable
Abstract
The relation between parental alcoholism and adolescent social functioning was examined in a sample of 41 seventh and eighth grade students who self-identified themselves as children of alcoholics (COAs). COAs were compared to 41 non-COA matched controls on four measures of social functioning. Overall, few significant differences were found between COAs and non-COAs on social functioning. COAs and non-COAs were significantly different in their level of attachment to parents, and attachment was found to be a stronger predictor of social functioning. In regard to attachment as an intervening variable, it was found that attachment mediated the relationship between COA status and adolescents' performance in problem situations (concerning peers, family, and school). Results also indicated that COA status (not attachment) moderated the effects of attachment on friendship quality.
Description
Program year: 1989/1990Digitized from print original stored in HDR
Citation
Durkin, Maureen (1990). The Social Functioning of Adolescent Children of Alcoholics: Attachment as an Intervening Variable. University Undergraduate Fellow. Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /CAPSTONE -BowenS _1986.