Comparisons of retrospective and current reports of alcoholics and their spouses on drinking behavior

This study examined the correspondence between reports of alcoholic husbands and their wives on multiple dimensions of alcohol consumption and drinking-related events. Retrospective reports as well as prospective diaries (90 day period) were obtained from both spouses on husbands' behaviors, and correspondence was assessed at group and individual levels. Although there was some variability in agreement between individual husband-wife pairs, overall results indicated that husband-wife correspondence was robust not only for global measures, but also for more specific dimensions of day-to-day consumption. Findings were discussed in terms of issues that affect the validity of alcoholics' reports.