J Korean Acad Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs.  2019 Mar;28(1):50-63. 10.12934/jkpmhn.2019.28.1.50.

An Integrative Literature Review of Resilience in Adult Children of Alcoholics: Focusing on Operational Definitions and Moderators

• Kim HK
• Ko Y

• KMID: 2442411
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12934/jkpmhn.2019.28.1.50

Abstract

PURPOSE
The objective of this study was to explore operational definitions and moderators of the resilience of adult children of alcoholics (ACOA) and its associated variables.
METHODS
This integrative review was conducted based on a literature review method suggested by Whittemore and Knafl. Databases including PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and RISS were searched using the combinations of search terms such as; "˜adult children of alcoholics,'"˜parental alcoholism,'"˜resilience,' and "˜children of alcoholics.'
RESULTS
Seventeen studies were selected for this review. Findings of integrative reviews reported operational definitions for the resilience of ACOA and moderators. The operational definition of ACOA's resilience is: (1) having no behavioral and emotional problem, (2) meeting social and developmental expectancies, (3) having the ability to cope with adversity, (4) having high self-concept, and (5) having a meaningful relationship. In addition, the varying environmental moderators include family communication, qualities of caring environment, parental communication, parentification, and social support. Several moderators were identified as positive effect, self-esteem, alcohol-specific coping style, locus of control, spirituality, the image of God, and dyadic cohesion in marital communication.
CONCLUSION
Our study findings emphasize comprehensive understanding of diverse definition of resilience and moderators in developing nursing interventions to promote resilience in ACOA.

Keyword

Resilience, Psychological; Adult children; Alcoholism; Review

MeSH Terms

Adult Children*
Adult*
Alcoholics*
Alcoholism
Child
Humans
Internal-External Control
Methods
Nursing
Parents
Resilience, Psychological
Spirituality

Figure

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  Figure 1. Flow diagram of study selection.

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  Figure 2. Operational definition of adult children of alcoholics (ACOA)' resilience.

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