Parent-child interactions and child outcomes as related to gender of alcoholic parent

Parents and children from alcoholic and non-alcoholic families (N = 137) were compared in regard to quality of interactions (using the Marital Interaction Coding System), child outcomes (using the Child Behavior Checklist), and the possible moderating effects of parenting behavior on child outcomes. Alcoholic families were subdivided by gender (father-alcoholic, mother-alcoholic, both parents alcoholic) to assess for the effect that gender of alcoholic parent has on parent-child interactions and child outcomes. Results indicated that dual and mother-only alcoholic families exhibited the most impaired interactions, although child problem behavior was not significantly different across the three groups containing one or two alcoholic parents. Furthermore, father's behavior (both alcoholic fathers and those married to an alcoholic), as compared to mother's behavior, most clearly moderated child outcomes. The possible protective effect of having a non-alcoholic mother was also indicated. Results are discussed in regard to the negative and positive effects that parents from alcoholic households can have on children.