Alcoholism and Identity Development

Abstract

In the field of human development and psychology, the process of developing one's identity is generally associated with adolescence and young adulthood. Alcohol use and abuse is greatest and is related to the most frequent causes of death during this period of life. The identity crisis has been conceptualized as four statuses that reflect levels of exploration and commitment. Individuals choosing not to engage in either have been characterized as identity diffused. Empirical evidence has demonstrated that those with a diffuse identity status have the most problematic outcomes in a variety of areas (e.g., work-related behaviors, criminal and problem behaviors, substance abuse, risky sexual practices). Although this status may be developmentally appropriate during early adolescence, some people remain diffused for prolonged periods of time and for a variety of reasons. Efforts to understand these different reasons have led to the development of diffusion subcategories that may be useful in explaining alcoholic tendencies. A discussion of alcoholism typologies is followed by a theoretical integration of diffusion subcategories with characteristics of Type 1 and Type 2 alcoholism. The integrated categories were identified as Type 1 and Type 2 Diffusions and suggest useful predictors for those most at risk for prolonged diffusion and long-term alcoholism. Treatment implications are offered.

Key Words:

• Identity development
• diffusion
• alcoholism typologies
• theoretical integration