The researcher conducted a thorough search of multiple databases using various keyword combinations to find literature on treatment programs for children of alcoholic parents. This search yielded 52 relevant journal articles. The researcher also found additional literature from their own collection and article bibliographies. So far, they have written 21 synopses summarizing the literature. The next step is to finish summarizing the literature to identify effective treatment aspects and publish a manuscript guiding the design of treatment programs for this population.

1. Review of literature on treatment for children of alcoholic parents
Jennie Jester, Ph. D., Alexa Bidigare
Results:
Three combinations of keywords were searched in all five databases: chil-
dren + alcoholic + treatment, children + alcoholic + prevention, and chil-
dren + alcoholic + intervention. The searches yielded many results, but a
lot of the resulting literature was irrelevant and will not be included in the
literature review. A total of 52 journal articles fit the criteria for being in-
cluded in the literature review. Also, relevant literature was found using
our own collection of literature and bibliographies from relevant articles.
So far, 17 synopses have been written for literature found in our own col-
lection. 4 synopses have been written on literature found in the search.
Conclusion:
The search for literature on treatment programs for children of alcoholics is
complete. The next step is to read and summarize the relevant literature, col-
lecting useful information for the creation of treatment programs. This litera-
ture will then be published in a manuscript that will act as a guide for the
design of treatment programs for children of alcoholics.
Databases Utilized:
- PsycINFO
- General OneFile
- ISI Web of Science
- ERIC
- ProQuest
Abstract:
Research in the area of children of alcoholics has found that these chil-
dren are more exposed to risk factors for developing behavioral prob-
lems and abusing substances than children of nonalcoholics. Preven-
tion or intervention programs for children of alcoholics would be useful
in reversing or protecting the child against the effects of having an al-
coholic parent. Unfortunately, these types of programs are uncommon.
Furthermore, there is a gap in literature on reviews and evaluations of
the few existing programs. In order to successfully implement a pro-
gram for the treatment of children of alcoholics, it is important to first
learn what methods are best for preventing or changing the negative
outcomes these children experience. In this study, literature on existing
prevention and intervention programs for children of alcoholics will be
reviewed. This will be done by doing a thorough search in multiple da-
tabases on literature relating to this area of study. We will then be read-
ing this literature comprehensively, writing synopses on these papers,
and gathering information that would useful in the creation of a treat-
ment program for children of alcoholics. Hopefully, the research will
lead to an eventual publication of a manuscript containing reviews of
treatment programs for children of alcoholics.
Objectives:
Literature evaluating and discussing treatment programs for children
of alcoholic parents will be reviewed and summarized. Then, all rel-
evant literature will be included in a manuscript that presents the ef-
fectiveness of various aspects of treatment programs for children of al-
coholics. Thus, those seeking to create a treatment program will have a
comprehensive literature review to guide them in the design and
implementation of their treatment program.
Methods:
- Develop criteria for literature in order to narrow the range of
literature reviewed in the manuscript. Thus, only relevant
literature will be utilized.
- Select keywords that will attract results relevant to treatment
programs for children of alcoholics.
- Conduct searches in multiple databases using keywords and cri-
teria to find relevant literature. Also, search for articles using the
bibliographies of relevant literature.
- Read and summarize literature found in the search as well as rel-
evant articles found in our own collection of literature
- Draw conclusions from literature on what aspects of certain
treatment programs work effectively in the treatment of children
of alcoholics.
- Use information found in the literature search to create a manu-
script that summarizes multiple treatment programs for children
of alcoholic parents.Background:
Children of alcoholic parents are at high risk for various behavior prob-
lems. However, there are few treatment programs for these children.
Also, there are very few comprehensive reviews of treatment programs
for children of alcoholics. It would be useful to address this gap in lit-
erature by conducting a thorough literature review on treatment pro-
grams for children of alcoholics.
Literature Included:
- Discussed or evaluated a specific treatment program or mul-
tiple treatment programs for children of alcoholics
OR
- Thoroughly discussed aspects of treatment programs for
children of alcoholics that would be useful in designing similar
treatment programs
Literature Not Included:
- Did not meet the designated criteria
- Discussed treatment programs for adult children of alco-
holics
- Was in a language other than English
- Was discluded due to flaws in the design of the study