Adolescent children of alcoholics: Vulnerable or Resilient?

BACKGROUND: Children of alcoholics (COAs) have been described as both vulnerable and resilient. Although identified as at-risk for mental and physical health problems, chemical dependency, and child abuse and neglect, many go on to lead successful lives.OBJECTIVE: The relationship between COA status and various adolescent risk behaviors, such as drug and alcohol abuse and sexual precocity, was assessed by addressing the following research question: Could parental alcoholism be a risk factor for teens engaging in problem behaviors?STUDY DESIGN: A secondary analysis of a Wyoming high-risk youth data set was conducted (N = 1632). Werner’s (1992) core resiliency factors provided the conceptual frame for the study.RESULTS: Adolescent COAs scored significantly (p < .000) lower on all psychosocial factors of family/personal strengths and school bonding and significantly higher on all factors of at-risk temperament, feelings, thoughts, and behaviors than non-COAs.CONCLUSIONS: Adolescent COAs are at risk for depre...