Personality, self-esteem, and depression in people from families with alcohol-related problem

Introduction
Growing up in a family with an alcohol-related problem may have an impact on personality traits, self-esteem and a predisposition to depression in adulthood. The aim of the current research was to analyse whether there are differences between people raised in families with or without alcohol history in personality traits, self-esteem and depression.

Material and methods
The study included 190 persons; 94 from families with an alcohol problem and 96 from the control group. The Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale (SES), Ten Item Personality Inventory (TIPI) and Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI) were used in the study.

Results
The study showed that people from families with alcohol-related problems were characterised by lower self-esteem and higher intensity of depression symptoms compared to the control group. It has also been shown that people from families with alcohol problems are characterised by a greater intensity of neuroticism. Statistically, significant correlations were found between personality traits, self-esteem and depression.

Discussion
According to presented results, an alcohol-related problem in the family history has a negative impact on the adult’s personality, self-esteem and the tendency to depression. Those who scored low on conscientiousness, emotional stability, extraversion, openness to experience and agreeableness have a risk of lower self-esteem and subsequently increased risk of depression. These conclusions are consistent with previous research and partially with theoretical assumptions.

Conclusions
Results show that people from families with an alcohol-related problem differ from the control group in terms of the level of self-esteem, intensity of depression and certain personality traits. These results can inspire further research and the creation of specialised therapeutic programmes.