| This mixed-method study examined levels of self-esteem, kinship social support and coping responses among adult children of alcoholics (ACOAs) and adult children of non-alcoholics (non-ACOAs). In Phase I, 128 African American undergraduate students ages 20--45 completed four self report measures and a demographic questionnaire. The findings revealed no statistical significance regarding self-esteem and kinship social support; but indicated ACOAs utilized more effective coping responses than non-ACOAs.;In Phase II, 10 African American adult children of alcoholics, ages 20--45 were interviewed for the study. Qualitative data were examined by the researcher who developed a theoretical model of kinship social support among African American ACOAs. The findings suggest ACOAs who had kin-fictive kin attachments are resilient, have healthy self-esteem, and coped with living with an alcoholic parent. |
