Interpersonal Self-Perception and Memories on Parental Rearing in Alcohol Dependent Patients and Outpatient Controls

The aim of the present study is to explore the relation between interpersonal self-perceptions and memories on parental rearing taking into account the influence of alcohol dependence. Based on interpersonal and object relation theories, the existence and the directions of this relation are hypothesized. A comparative, cross-sectional study was conducted including 126 alcohol dependent inpatients (87 males, 39 females) and 119 healthy control subjects without alcohol-related problems or psychopathology (64 males, 49 females). The interpersonal self-perception was measured with the ICL-R and memories on parental rearing with the EMBU. Results show that memories on parental rearing significantly contribute to interpersonal self-perceptions especially in healthy male subjects and alcohol dependent females. Memories of rearing styles by father are most influential in female and those of mother in male. Limitations of the study are discussed, as well as some clinical implications.