No abstract

Gynther's general hypothesis that older subjects self-report better adjustment on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory than do younger subjects was tested among 616 male chronic alcoholics classified into five age groups: 30 or younger, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, and 61 or older. Multivariate and univariate analyses of variance and covariance supported Gynther's general hypothesis as well as three specific corollary hypotheses predicting that older alcoholics, relative to younger alcoholics, are lower in impulsivity-control difficulties, are higher in health concerns, but are not different in social introversion. Treatment implications and theoretical notions about personality factors in alcoholism at different stages in the adult life cycle are discussed.