Couples at Risk for Transmission of Alcoholism: Protective Influences

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Abstract
A two‐generation, sociocultural model of the transmission of alcoholism in families was operationalized and tested. Sixty‐eight married children of alcoholic parents and their spouses were interviewed regarding dinner‐time and holiday ritual practices in their families of origin, and heritage and ritual practices in the couples' current generation. Coders rated transcribed interviews along 14 theory‐derived predictor variables, nine for the family of origin and five for the current nuclear family. Multiple regression analysis was applied in a two‐step hierarchical method, with the dependent variable being transmission of alcoholism to the couple. The 14 predictor variables contributed significantly (p < .01) to the couple's alcoholism outcome. A general theme of selective disengagement and reengagement for couples in families at risk for alcoholism recurrence is discussed.