Abstract
An attempt was made to validate Woititz's (1983) 13 characteristics of Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOAs) in a clinical sample. Clinical ACOAs, nonclinical ACOAS and non-ACOAS were compared on these characteristics using both objective personality measures and a problem checklist. In addition, clinical ACOAs were surveyed about their experiences in treatment. While some differences were found between the groups on the problem checklist, only one difference (in an unexpected direction) was found between the groups when measuring the characteristics with standardized personality measures. As a group, clinical ACOAs were satisfied with their treatment, but saw the negative effects of their ACOA status as limited lo relationships with adult family members. The results do not support the validity of Woititz's characteristics. Implications for diagnosis and treatment, and the future use of the ACOA label are discussed.
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