The Psychodynamics of Alcoholism: A Survey of 87 Cases

Abstract

A composite psychological report based upon reports written about 87 male alcoholics serving as subjects for an experiment in a state mental hospital, where they all were hospitalized. The report covers: (1) manner of relating (behavioral evaluation); (2) patient''s perception of self, own role, and own situation; (3) type of ego control typically manifested; (4) defense mechanisms; (5) identification patterns; (6) interpersonal relationships; (7) why alcoholics drink; (8) degree of psychopathology; (9) psychodiagnosis; and (10) prognosis. A psychodynamic basis for a theoretical discussion of the genesis of alcoholism is presented; it, in turn, is based upon psychological test results and social histories reported in previous papers.