The construct validity of an aftereffect-based subtyping system for alcoholics

Abstract

In an earlier project, we identified five alcohol‐consumption aftereffect factors, which were named Hangover, Euphoria, Flushing, Seizures, and Sleepiness. In this study (N = 100) we assessed the construct validities of the five, using 47 MMPI, self‐report, and recidivism criteria. The number of significant relationships between the factors and the criteria substantially exceeded chance. The Hangover factor related to social maladjustment and to the MMPI Psychopathic Deviate, Paranoia, Psychasthenia, Hypomania, and Masculinity‐Femininity scales. The Euphoria factor was associated with a high number of job losses, but a low incidence of certain physical sequelae. The Flushing factor was associated with high consumption, late development of alcoholism, many physical complaints, and older age. The Seizure factor correlated with high consumption, facial puffiness, tremors, and lack of defensiveness on the MMPI. The Sleepiness factor was associated with a good prognosis and several mild MMPI elevations. These findings suggest that the factors may provide the basis for a useful alcoholism subtyping system and that additional research on them should prove fruitful.

Alcoholic hangover and performance: a review

“…Those patients who still exhibited depressive symptoms at the end of treatment were best distinguished from those who recovered by the first group's use of ethanol for social facilitation. This is consistent with the correlation between severity of hangover and social maladjustment found by Watson et al [50].…”

“…He cites a number of studies which provide support for the hypothesis that persons classified as introverts experience a smaller effect from depressant drugs than do extraverts. A broad study of personality and alcoholism [50], found that the severity of hangover symptoms was related to social maladjustment. This complicates any supposed interaction with personality, and clear evidence of a relationship of broad personality factors to hangover has not emerged.…”

“…Whether this is important for men, or if it is related to hangover symptoms, is currently unclear. A broad study of personality and alcoholism [50], found that the severity of hangover symptoms was related to social maladjustment.…”