The broad objective of this research program is to develop an empirically-based understanding of family interactions that characterize families of alcoholics and that predate and predict the emergence of alcoholism in offspring. Initial data collections involved a core sample of intact families containing male alcoholics (n=50), male depressives (n=50), and normal controls (n=50). During the current period of award, we have been recruiting and assessing three new samples--a second, more heterogeneous sample of families of male alcoholics (n=50), and samples of families containing female alcoholics (n=50) and female depressives (n=50). Initial assessments include a comprehensive array of observational and report procedures. In addition, a five-year follow up on our core samples will be completed by the end of the current award period. Several data sets have been analyzed and have resulted in various scientific reports, with a number of other analyses in progress or in preparation. During the proposed five-year renewal period, our primary goals are (1) to complete the initial assessments on the female samples and the second sample of male alcoholics; (2) to conduct neuropsychological assessments on all remaining offspring in all samples; (3) to implement a second wave follow up of the core samples, and (4) to implement a first wave follow up of the female alcoholics and depressives and the second sample of male alcoholics. Major issues addressed in this research program include: (a) the impact of alcoholism on family interaction; (b) the role of family processes in the maintenance of abusive drinking; (c) the influence of family patterns on child outcome, especially in reference to continuity of problem drinking beyond the """"""""high risk"""""""" period of early adulthood; and (d) the development and validation of a family typology based upon observation of family interactions in the laboratory and home settings.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Type
Method to Extend Research in Time (MERIT) Award (R37)
Project #
5R37AA003037-13
Application #
3479861
Study Section
Clinical and Treatment Subcommittee (ALCP)
Project Start
1978-08-01
Project End
1993-07-31
Budget Start
1990-08-01
Budget End
1991-07-31
Support Year
13
Fiscal Year
1990
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Pittsburgh
Department
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
053785812
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
15213
Jacob, Theodore; Seilhamer, Ruth Ann; Bargeil, Kay et al. (2006) Reliability of Lifetime Drinking History among alcohol dependent men. Psychol Addict Behav 20:333-7
Johnson, S L; Jacob, T (1997) Marital interactions of depressed men and women. J Consult Clin Psychol 65:15-23
Haber, J R; Jacob, T (1997) Marital interactions of male versus female alcoholics. Fam Process 36:385-402
Moser, R P; Jacob, T (1997) Parent-child interactions and child outcomes as related to gender of alcoholic parent. J Subst Abuse 9:189-208
Jacob, T; Tennenbaum, D; Bargiel, K et al. (1995) Family interaction in the home. Development of a new coding system. Behav Modif 19:147-69
Seilhamer, R A; Jacob, T; Dunn, N J (1993) The impact of alcohol consumption on parent-child relationships in families of alcoholics. J Stud Alcohol 54:189-98
Dunn, N J; Seilhamer, R A; Jacob, T et al. (1992) Comparisons of retrospective and current reports of alcoholics and their spouses on drinking behavior. Addict Behav 17:543-55
Jacob, T; Krahn, G L; Leonard, K (1991) Parent-child interactions in families with alcoholic fathers. J Consult Clin Psychol 59:176-81;discussion 183
Jacob, T; Leonard, K (1991) Experimental drinking procedures in the study of alcoholics and their families: a consideration of ethical issues. J Consult Clin Psychol 59:249-55
Tarter, R E; Kabene, M; Escallier, E A et al. (1990) Temperament deviation and risk for alcoholism. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 14:380-2

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