Problematic parental drinking and health: Investigating differences in adult children of alcoholics status, health locus of control, and health self-efficacy

Abstract

Growing up in an alcoholic family may be related to other health outcomes beyond one's increased probability for becoming an alcoholic. Adult children of alcoholics (ACOAs) are an understudied population in healthcare communication. This study sought to understand whether there were differences between ACOAs and non-ACOAs in terms of health locus of control, health self-efficacy, and whether demographic variables, ACOA status, and health locus of control would predict health self-efficacy. A cross-sectional survey was administered that measured ACOA status, health locus of control, and health self-efficacy. Chance health locus of control and powerful other locus of control were significantly different between ACOAs and non-ACOAs. Demographics, ACOA designation, and health locus of control predicted health self-efficacy. Internal health locus of control was a positive predictor and chance health locus of control was a negative predictor of health self-efficacy.

Keywords:

• Health locus of control
• Health self-efficacy
• Alcoholism
• Adult children of alcoholics

Additional information

Notes on contributors

C Leigh Nelson

Sharlene Thompson Richards and C. Leigh Nelson are Associate Professors in the School of Communication Studies at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Sharlene Thompson Richards received her Ph.D. in Communication from the University of Oklahoma. C. Leigh Nelson received her Ph.D. in Communication from Purdue University.