Field Dependence in Alcoholics

Abstract

Different aspects of the influence of cognitive style, field-dependence/independence, on various measures of personality have been reviewed. Field independence may relate closely to sense of reality, state of mental health, strong self-esteem, differentiated identity, and articulated body concept. Witkin with his coworkers considered field dependence a predisposing factor to alcoholism and not a result of alcoholism. Field dependence of alcoholics seems to be related to identity problems and disturbed body image, as well as to adopted helplessness and external locus of control. Disturbances in separation-individuation process may provide a basis for a narcissistic prealcoholic personality which results in poor perception of body image and weak self-esteem.