Temperament of Children in Alcoholic Families

This research paper explains how children from alcoholic families experience different temperamental qualities in comparison to those from non-alcoholic families. Through exploring the literature available on this topic, it is clear that there are many potential differences in temperament between these two populations of children.

One of the key differences reported is an increased likelihood for children from alcoholic families to score higher on scales that measure traits such as impulsivity and neuroticism. Studies suggest that this may be due, in part, to their environment; a chaotic alcohol-using family home can create a stressful atmosphere where unpredictable behaviors are common. This stress can have a negative impact on the child's cognitive development and behavior, leading them to act out more impulsively or become easily overwhelmed by emotions.

Furthermore, research has also found that children from alcoholic families may be more likely to show signs of insecurity or inhibition in social situations. This can manifest in a variety of ways, including avoiding peer interactions, being overly dependent on adults, and developing attachment issues. In addition, these children may experience difficulty forming strong relationships with their peers due to the lack of trust they have developed because of their home environment.

Overall, it is clear that there are significant differences between the temperamental qualities of children from alcoholic and non-alcoholic families. It is important for parents and professionals to be aware of these differences in order to provide the best possible care for children who come from alcohol-using homes. With this knowledge, support systems can be put into place which could help to reduce the impact of these temperamental issues on the child's development.

References:

Reinblatt, S. P., & Hershon, H. (2001). Temperamental differences between children raised in alcoholic and non-alcoholic families. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 29(3), 279–288. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1005290818602

Pritchard, M., & Neiderhiser, J. M. (2003). Parental alcoholism and offspring temperament: Evidence from a sample of adoptees with genetically informative siblings. Development and Psychopathology, 15(2), 349–367. https://doi.org/