A comparison of family of origin factors between children of alcoholics and children of non-alcoholics in a longitudinal panel.

Secondary analysis of longitudinal panel data reveals minimal differences in family of origin factors between children of alcoholics (COAs) and children of non-alcoholics (non-COAs). From 220 subjects, 37 parents were identified as alcoholic. The COA subjects' retrospective reports about family of origin factors were compared to those of non-COAs. Contrary to the assertions of the COA clinical literature, few differences were found between the two groups. However, these differences are congruent with the findings of other panel studies which have investigated family of origin factors and adult outcome among COAs.