Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Semester of Degree Completion

1993

Thesis Director

William T. Bailey

Abstract

Matching alcoholics to appropriate intervention methods increases the likelihood of successful treatment. In order to better accomplish this, researchers have sought to identify distinct types of alcoholism. One promising approach is the Type I/Type II model of alcoholism. Type I alcoholism is characterized by a later onset and less severe social complications. It seems to be inherited from either natural parent and can affect children of either sex; it seldom occurs without the presence of a stressful environment. Type II alcoholism is distinguished by early onset and greater severity of consequences. It appears to be inherited only from father to son and is independent of the type of environment. Attempts to validate this typology have had mixed success. The present study examined Type I and Type II characteristics in a treatment population. Subjects were differentiated by sex and categorized into types by age of onset. The different types and genders were compared on the basis of social consequences and family history. Significant differences were found between sexes and between types, with one significant interaction. The Type I/Type II model was supported to some degree; but, unexpectedly, there was evidence of the expression of Type II alcoholism in the female sample.

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