Family Interaction Pattern in Wive’s of Alcohol Dependents

Abstract

Introduction: Alcoholism is a disease which affects the individual and their family hence it is known as a

family disease. Alcoholism reflects on the family bonds and it often leads to the complete breakdown of the

entire family. The most affected persons are the wives of alcoholics because of their commonly nature and

the intimacy in their relationships. The spouses of alcoholics facing severe domestic, financial and emotional

violence which leads major psychological problems like anxiety, depression and poor self-esteem. Family

interaction pattern (FIP) is defined as methods by which members of the family relate to each other through

various mechanisms binding them in the bond of family.

Aim: This research work has made an attempt to study the Family interaction pattern in wive’s of alcohol

dependents. This study to measure the level of family interaction pattern and significant factors associated

with wive’s of alcohol dependents of Kottayam district of Kerala, India. Result: Nearly half of the respondents

(37%) have medium level of Family interaction pattern. 33% have high family interaction pattern and 30%

have low level of family interaction pattern. The study reveals that FIP Score has significant difference with

the variables like age, area of residence, education and duration of drinking habit in spouses. The post hoc

test indicates that respondents between the age group of 31-40 years, rural area of residence, educated below

10th standard and above 10 years of drinking habit in spouses have better FIP. Religion, type of family,

occupation and family monthly income has no significance. Conclusion: This study inspires in realizing

the mental, social, marital and family relation among wive’s of alcoholics and it will be a great help in

promoting family counselling programmes in de- addiction centres.