Abstract
A study that attempted to validate the characteristics of Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOAs) as presented by Woititz (1983) was conducted. Male and female college students self‐reported to be ACOAs, non‐ACOAs, or individuals who had participated in an ACOA treatment group. These groups were compared on 12 of Woititz's 13 characteristics using objective personality measures. No significant differences were found among the groups on any of the characteristics measured. The results severely question the validity of Woititz's descriptions of ACOAs. The dangers of using these characteristics in the diagnosis and treatment of individuals are discussed.
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