Field dependency, n power and locus of control variables in alcohol aversion

Male volunteer alcoholics (N = 47) were given I-E Scale, Embedded Figures Test and a newly devised n Power inventory in a 20-trials, 10-day electroconditioning aversion program. Some were given vodka, some preferred beverage, some both shock and covert sensitization. Follow-up was 2 months by interview, 6 months by letter, with combination therapy more effective. External control and field dependency were associated with being older. Internals and hard liquor drinkers tended to be abstinent for both periods as predicted. Field dependency was a more unstable variable for outcome. A non-preferred beverage generalizes to preferred beverage abstinence.