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Self‐concept of Children of Alcoholics: Part I. Family Influences
Author(s) -
KILLEEN MAUREEN R.
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
journal of child and adolescent psychiatric nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.331
H-Index - 35
eISSN - 1744-6171
pISSN - 1073-6077
DOI - 10.1111/j.1744-6171.1988.tb00223.x
Subject(s) - psychology , self esteem , developmental psychology , affect (linguistics) , transactional analysis , transactional leadership , self concept , self , clinical psychology , social psychology , communication
This paper focuses on the processes by which alcoholic parents affect their children's self‐esteem. The impact of families on children's self‐concept and self‐esteem is examined within the framework of a transactional model of self‐concept development. Next, a model of self‐esteem for children of alcoholics, including risk factors and protective factors for self‐esteem, is proposed. It is suggested that alcoholic parents influence their children's self‐concepts so that their children judge themselves on unique dimensions, and use atypical standards to interpret their behaviors. The result is that the children do not learn to realistically assess their strengths and abilities. Finally, the role of social support, within families and from other persons, is explored in relation to self‐esteem.