Examining the Resilience, Attachment Styles, and Relationship Satisfaction of Adult Children of Alcoholics in Intimate Relationships
Abstract
In conducting research with adult children of alcoholics (ACOAs) and comparing this population with adult children of non-alcoholics (ACONAs), the majority of studies have identified negative outcomes including increased mood disorders, substance abuse, and significantly more difficulties within interpersonal relationships. Although the majority of extant literature has focused research questions on the deficits that ACOAs manifest, a limited number of studies have found that certain ACOAs are able to adequately cope despite having experienced parental alcoholism. The purpose of the current research was to take a strengths-based approach in examining the resilience, attachment styles, and relationship satisfaction of ACOAs currently in intimate relationships, and gain additional understanding with regard to the resilience levels of ACOAs and their functioning within romantic relationships. Participants were 536 university students who completed a demographic questionnaire along with the Children of Alcoholics Screening Test, Experiences in Close Relationships Scale-Revised, Resilience Scale for Adults, and Couples Satisfaction Index. A quantitative research design was employed in order to examine group differences between ACOAs and ACONAs in terms of their levels of resilience, relationship satisfaction, and attachment styles, as well as a more detailed look at which dimensions of resilience may be associated with, and even predict, relationship satisfaction and attachment style. Results indicated that ACOAs reported lower levels of resilience and relationship satisfaction, as well as more insecure attachment styles within intimate relationships, than ACONAs. All resilience subscales were positively correlated with secure attachment and higher relationship satisfaction scores, while ACOAs who reported higher levels of resilience also reported significantly higher levels of relationship satisfaction and higher categorization of secure attachment style. Finally, regression analysis determined that the social resources resilience subscale was the only subscale able to predict higher relationship satisfaction scores and secure attachment categorization. Limitations to the study and potential clinical and research implications are discussed, and directions for future research are provided.
Description
Keywords
Educational Psychology, Education--Guidance and Counseling, Psychology--Clinical, Psychology--Developmental, Psychology--Social
Citation
Young, M. (2016). Examining the Resilience, Attachment Styles, and Relationship Satisfaction of Adult Children of Alcoholics in Intimate Relationships (Doctoral thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/26030