The concurrent and construct validity of the MacAndrew Alcoholism Scale among at-risk adolescent males

Investigated the empirical validity of the MacAndrew Alcoholism Scale as a measure of alcohol abuse and a bipolar personality dimension, hypothesized by MacAndrew (1979) to mediate addiction-proneness among males, in a sample of N = 160 adolescent male offenders, who were classified according to pattern of alcohol intoxication. Classification accuracy was comparable to studies of adult males, e.g., 75% correct, but only 53.1% correct for marijuana use. There were significant personality differences (as measured by the California Psychological Inventory) between true positives and false negatives. As predicted, the true positive group resembled the Emotional Extraversion (Secondary Psychopathy) character orientation. Contrary to predictions, the false negative group did not resemble the Emotional Introversion (Dysthymic or Neurotic) character orientation, although they were more inhibited, less angry, and less inclined to antisocial acts than were true positives. Some observed differences in reported uses of alcohol were unexpected, e.g., true positives were more inclined to drink when they were coping with feelings of inadequacy, dysphoric affect, or interpersonal problems. Some limitations of the test when used with young males were discussed.