Alcoholism and family structure

The purpose of this research project was to explore the structural variables of hierarchical reversals, cross generational coalitions, cohesion, and adaptability as they were manifested in families with an alcoholic member, families with a recovered member, and non-alcoholic families. One hundred and twenty-five families responded to written questionnaires including The Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales (FACES III), the Madanes Family Hierarchy Test (MFHT), and a Demographic Questionnaire. Adult participants also completed the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST) to ensure that control families had no potentially alcoholic members, as well as ensuring that recovered families had no actively addicted members. Information was obtained on age, ethnicity, educational employment status, family income, and the sex of participating children, to ensure that the three groups were demographically comparable. The statistical analyses confirmed structural family therapy theory and the current research on alcoholic families. The results further expanded the understanding of the nature of coalitions and hierarchical reversals as they were manifested in these samples.