Adult and Family Development Project

This program represents a series of studies of Children in Alcoholic and non-Alcoholic Families. This program of research has been funded by NIDA and NIAAA; continuously since 1987. The goal of this project is to understand the intergenerational transmission of risk for alcoholism and drug abuse/dependence.

   **Why are children of alcoholics at elevated risk for addictive disorders?
   **What is the role of psychopathology in these processes (including internalizing and externalizing problems)?
   **Which children of alcoholics have positive outcomes? What are the protective factors that are responsible for resilience?

To address these goals, we are conducting a longitudinal study of children in a community sample of alcoholic and non-alcoholic families as well as a laboratory study of emotional reactivity and regulation (collaboratively with Nancy Eisenberg).

Stice, E., Barrera, M., & Chassin, L. (1998). Differentiating substance use and problem substance use in adolescents. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 107, 616-628.

Colder, C., & Chassin, L. (1999). The psychosocial characteristics of alcohol users vs. problem users: Data from a study of adolescents at risk. Development and Psychopathology, 11, 321-348.

Dr. Laurie Chassin, Principal Investigator