Alcoholism and family interaction: an experimental paradigm

The purpose of this paper is to describe the authors' ongoing investigation of alcoholism and family interaction--a large-scale observation study involving intact families assessed under a broad range of conditions. The methodology is characterized by the inclusion of two control groups, laboratory observations involving experimental drinking procedures, and naturalistic home observations focused on dinnertime interactions. Key issues addressed involve the impact of alcoholism on the process and structure of family life, the degree to which varying patterns of family interaction serve to potentiate or inhibit the development of alcoholism in children of alcoholics, and the degree to which observed patterns vary in relation to nature of dysfunction (alcoholism versus depression). The current status and initial outcomes of the project are described in detail.