Marital Attitudes and Personal Readiness for Marriage of Young Adult Children of Alcoholics

Abstract

Marital attitudes and perceived readiness for marriage of young adult children of alcoholics (ACOAs) were investigated. Never-married young adults (N = 943) completed the Children of Alcoholics Screening Test (CAST) to determine whether they were ACOAs. Other instruments were completed to measure family dysfunction, marital attitudes, and perceived readiness for marriage. ACOAs were found to be significantly more negative in their opinions and feelings about marriage than were nonACOAs. They also perceived themselves as being less ready for marriage than nonACOAs and wanted a significantly longer waiting period before marriage. These results were found even when controlling for family dysfunction and parental divorce. Implications for premarital counseling are discussed.