Interpersonal dependency and locus of control as personality correlates among adult male alcoholics undergoing residential treatment.

The Interpersonal Dependency Inventory and the I-E Control Scale were administered to 22 male alcoholics in residential treatment. Contrary to prediction, subjects had normal dependency scores and external locus of control orientation. These findings contradict currently held assumptions about levels of dependence and the directionality of control orientation among inpatient alcoholics. Subjects were further examined for the influence of previous inpatient alcoholism treatment. Significant correlations were found between interpersonal dependency and control orientation scores for 14 alcoholics who were in residential treatment for the first time. Clinical implications for treatment concerning dependency factors and locus of control in inpatient populations are also discussed.