Growing up in an alcoholic family system: the effect on anxiety and differentiation of self

Adults from alcoholic families of origin were compared to persons from non-alcoholic families on differentiation of self and state and trait anxiety. Data were collected from community college students, clients in a private psychotherapy practice, and individuals attending several community-based Al-anon/Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOA) meetings. A total of 112 volunteers met the criteria for participation in the study. Offspring from alcoholic families experienced higher levels of state and trait anxiety and lower levels of differentiation of self than offspring from non-alcoholic families.