The alcoholic family: a nursing diagnosis validation study.

This study was designed to develop and validate a new nursing diagnosis, altered family processes: alcoholism. The Delphi technique was used to obtain nurse experts' (N = 201) ratings of terms for the definition, related factors, and defining characteristics. Degree of consensus was determined by analyzing the mean, frequencies, and Fehring's (1987) Diagnostic Content Validity Index for items. Findings supported a proposed definition and related factors including family history of alcoholism and lack of problem-solving skills. Defining characteristics were grouped into three categories: feelings (e.g. mistrust, insecurity, powerlessness, unhappiness), roles, and relationships (e.g. disturbed family dynamics, inconsistent parenting, marital problems), and behaviors (e.g. impaired communication, dependency, denial). Future research includes the proposal and testing of nursing interventions for alcoholic families.