A correlational study of self-esteem and family support in adult children of alcoholics and adult children of non-alcoholics

Abstract

The first purpose of this study is to determine the level of difference between Adult Children of Alcoholics and Adult Children of Non-Alcoholics in self-esteem as measured by the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale (TSCS:2) and its subscales. The second purpose of the study is to determine the level of difference between Adult Children of Alcoholics and Adult Children of Non-Alcoholics in emotional support within their families as measured by the Family Environment Scale (FES) and its subscales. Despite the association of low self-esteem and alcoholism in the home, information is sparse about the relationship between the three factors- self-esteem, alcoholism in the home, and emotional support in the family. The research regarding alcoholism and levels of self-esteem is contradictory. Some studies find no difference and others find that alcoholism in the home does produce lower levels of self-esteem in offspring. There are studies that identify a correlation between strong emotional support in the family and high levels of self-esteem, despite the alcoholism. The results of this research study indicated no statistically significant difference in level of self-esteem in Adult Children of Alcoholics as compared to Adult Children of Non-Alcoholics when looking at the total score. Significant differences on the family subscale of the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale were recognized at the 95 percent (.95) level. The Family Environment Scale resulted in statistically significant subscales of cohesion, conflict, and moral/religious emphasis when comparing Adult Children of Alcoholics and Adult Children of Non-Alcoholics. Although no strong correlation existed between self-esteem and Adult Children of Alcoholics, patterns did begin to form regarding family dynamics, self-esteem, and emotional support.