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Articulating subtype differences in self and relational experience among alcoholic men using structural analysis of
M A Ichiyama1, R A Zucker, H E Fitzgerald
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, USA.
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology
|December 1, 1996
Summary
This study explored self and relationship experiences in alcoholic men using the Structural Analysis of Social Behavior (SASB) system. Findings reveal distinct patterns in antisocial alcoholic (AAL) and nonantisocial alcoholic (NAAL) men, highlighting alcoholism
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychopathology
- Social Behavior Analysis
Background:
- Understanding the subjective experiences of individuals with alcoholism is crucial for targeted interventions.
- Previous research has not fully elucidated the differences in self and relationship perceptions between subtypes of alcoholism.
- The Structural Analysis of Social Behavior (SASB) system offers a framework for analyzing interpersonal and intrapersonal dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the phenomenology of self and other relationship experiences among subtypes of alcoholic men.
- To utilize the Structural Analysis of Social Behavior (SASB) system to organize and analyze these experiences.
- To compare antisocial alcoholic (AAL), nonantisocial alcoholic (NAAL), and nonalcoholic (control) men's self-concept and spousal relationship ratings.
Main Methods:
- Employed L. Benjamin's (1984) Structural Analysis of Social Behavior (SASB) system.
- Community-based study of psychopathology involving 3 groups: antisocial alcoholic (AAL), nonantisocial alcoholic (NAAL), and nonalcoholic (control) men.
- Participants completed self-report ratings of introject (self-concept) and spousal experience.
Main Results:
- Group differences in demographics and psychopathology supported distinct alcoholic subtypes unrelated to global functioning.
- SASB data demonstrated consistent circumplex ordering for self-experience and spousal relationship ratings across all groups.
- Antisocial alcoholic (AAL) men reported more self-neglect, blame, and distrust; control men were most relationally connected; NAAL men fell in between.
Conclusions:
- Alcoholism subtype significantly influences self-perception and relationship experiences, with AAL men exhibiting more negative patterns.
- Despite subtype variations, alcoholism itself emerged as a core differentiating factor in certain experiential domains.
- The SASB system effectively captured and differentiated the complex self and relational experiences within alcoholic populations.