An Exploratory Study of the Personality Characteristics of Alcoholic Patients who Volunteer for Continued Treatment

Abstract

One hundred and seventy-five male alcoholic patients who were committed to a state hospital were asked to indicate whether or not they wished to volunteer for continued treatment in a ward with a special alcoholism program beyond the usual 30-day minimum period. The California Psychological Inventory (CPI) was administered immediately following completion of a standard volunteer form. Each patient was assessed between the 10th and 20th day following his admission to the hospital. The patients were assessed in groups varying from 2 to 10 in size with a mode of 5. The finding that alcoholic patients who are willing to continue in treatment tend to be relatively less well adjusted and to have a relatively greater degree of socially and psychologically undesirable personality characteristics should be considered in the planning and application of treatment programs for alcoholic patients.