Multiple stressors and adjustment among adult children of alcoholics

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of multiple stressors during childhood on subsequent adjustment among adult children of alcoholics (ACOAs). Scores on self-report measures of adjustment were compared for four groups: ACOAs who had experienced multiple stressors (n = 73), ACOAs reporting alcoholism as the only stressor in the home of origin (n = 80), adults who reported experiencing traumatic events other than alcoholism in the home of origin (n = 99), and a control group who reported no traumatic events during childhood (n = 102). Significant differences were found among groups in terms of self-reported anger/irritability, defense avoidance, and measures of resiliency.