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L R Snowden

Publications and source records attributed to L R Snowden.

27 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

An empirical typology of problem drinkers from the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test.

In a program of treatment for persons convicted of driving while intoxicated, data from 504 male participants were collected and analyzed to identify groups homogeneous with respect to symptoms and consequences of problem drinking as indicated on the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST). Cluster analysis of MAST responses yielded 7 such groups, differing in level and pattern of alcohol-related problems. This classification was shown: (a) to be homogeneous and reliable; (b) to discriminate effectively within several sets of external criteria--specifically, scales and profiles from the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) and clinical ratings of reasons for drinking and of participation and outcome from treatment; and (c) to predict alcoholism criteria more powerfully than dimensional use of the MAST. Categorical representation of alcoholism from its psychosocial symptoms was shown to be a valid and valuable structural approach.

Adult↗

Validity of an MMPI classification of problem drinker-drivers.

An empirical typology of problem drinker-drivers based on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) was evaluated. Relationships were demonstrated between this typology and several kinds of external criteria: alcoholism symptoms, reasons for drinking, treatment participation and outcome and medical complications. Indicators of typological validity were further evaluated in the context of alternative means of scoring and categorizing MMPI profiles. Relationships of criteria with the drinker-driver typology were generally stronger than with other uses of the MMPI. They were, however, weaker than those formed with an unweighted combination of three scales: Psychopathic Deviate, Depression and the K (test-taking attitude) validity scales. Results suggest that the typology divides the population of drinking drivers meaningfully and more powerfully than several, but not all, alternative uses of MMPI profiles.

Adult↗

Treatment participation and outcome in a program for problem drinker-drivers.

Relationships were examined between 13 predictor variables and two criteria of improvement in a program for problem drinker-drivers. Four measures of social background (income, educations, age, marital status), four measures of psychopathology based on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), one measure of general alcoholism, and four indicators of treatment involvement served as predictor variables. Two factorially derived criteria served as outcome indicators, one reflecting general improvement, the other reflecting improved social adjustment, but a failure to reduce drinking. This second factor was interpreted as indicating resistance. Analysis included partial correlation and multiple regression, from which explained variance was completely partitioned into sources unique to each predictor, and sources shared by combinations of predictors. Results suggested that with other factors controlled, treatment involvement was linked both to improvement and to resistance. Similar conclusions were suggested for social background, but slightly different ones for psychopathology and alcoholism. Psychopathology was uniquely related to improvement; alcoholism, to resistance.

Alcoholism↗

Reasons for drinking among problem drinker-drivers: client and counselor reports during treatment.

In a program for problem drinker-drivers, relationships were examined among 14 psychological and physical reasons for drinking. The two sets of ratings were separately factor analyzed. The factors were corroborated by correlating them between factor sets and with external variables: MMPI subscales, Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test, record of DWI convictions, and dropping out of the program. Results indicated that reasons for drinking form patterns related to psychological adjustment.

Adult↗

The MMPI and problem drinking: statistical controls and multifactor criteria.

Relationships between sociodemographic variables and the MMPI, on the one hand, and several dimensions of problem drinking, on the other, were examined from a multiple regression strategy that enhanced control and clarified sizes of effects. To investigate a sample of 385 persons convicted on drunk driving, a plan was implemented calling for entry of five sociodemographic variables first in equations, to assess and control for their effects, before entering 14 MMPI validity and clinical scales, and entering finally product terms representing sex-by-MMPI interactions. These factors were used to predict six problem drinking criteria, all continuous, based on factors and total scores from the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST). Results indicate substantial variance attributable to personality factors in comparison with sociodemographic ones, and a pattern of prediction confirming generalizations reported in the literature, but also qualifying them by indicating confounding and interactions.

Adult↗

Health-care-related attitudes and utilization among African American women.

This study examined attitudes of African American women toward medical care and health insurance. Data were analyzed from the National Medical Expenditure Survey, a large household survey conducted by the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research and focusing on insurance and health care utilization. The responses of African American women tended neither to downplay the importance of receiving health care as essential to health maintenance and recovery from illness, nor to minimize health insurance as a worthwhile investment. When African American women did give responses discounting the importance of health care, the attitude difference failed to account for race-related differences in utilization. There was no evidence in the data to indicate that attitudes lead African American women to neglect seeking medical care or acquiring health insurance, and solutions to the problem of medical care underutilization must be sought elsewhere.

Adolescent↗