A study of variables from the Houston Alcoholism Rehabilitation Project relating to acceptance of alcoholics into a vocational rehabilitation program

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in specific demographic, social, and psychometric factors that existed between those diagnosed alcoholics who were not accepted and those who were accepted for vocational rehabilitation services. The findings of this study are directed toward use by the vocational rehabilitation counselors working in the field of alcoholism. This project was funded through a Social and Rehabilitation Service innovation grant beginning September 1, 1966 and ending June 30, 1969. Methods: The primary sources of data were obtained from 540 applicants during the rehabilitation period at the Houston Alcoholism Rehabilitation Project. A social history, general medical, psychiatric and vocation evaluation was recorded. A battery of psychological tests—the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, Edwards Personal Preference Schedule, and the Peabody Verbal I.Q.—were administered. The secondary sources of information included studies of similar multidisciplinary projects, agency statistics, articles, books, reports, abstracts, journals, and records. The data were analyzed by relating main background, social history, intelligence and personality factors. Statistical techniques used were chi square, multiple correlation, and regression analysis. Forty-three variables were used in the study. Multiple correlation was used on 34 variables with a subsequent multiple regression to determine the significant variables. Nine of the forty-three variables tabulated by chi square significantly differentiated the accepted from the not accepted clients. Findings: 1. The data reveal that the results of this study were unique in that HARP referrals were comprised of a cross-section of individuals. Since no screening measures were used for control or experimental groups plus no restriction as to age, sex, socio-economic status and occupation levels, the HARProject was not entirely similar to any previous multidisciplinary research studies. 2. Significant differences existed in the baseline characteristics—age, educations and occupation. The accepted group tended to be from the middle age group 30 to 49 education was in the class intervals of 8-11, 12, and 13-15 years, and occupation was usually white collar or skilled worker. The not accepted tended, as a group, to be in the twenties or in the 60-69 age group, had less than an eighth grade education or had received a college degree, and was primarily an unskilled laborer or occasionally a professional. 3. Two social factors differentiated the accepted vocational rehabilitation client from the not accepted vocational rehabilitation client. The accepted client was more likely to have previously received group psychotherapy and/or individual psychotherapy, whole the not accepted client had not received individual psychotherapy and/or group psychotherapy. 4. The accepted applicants had higher verbal I.Q.’s, were more aggressive than the not accepted. However, the accepted applicant had less need to help others than the not accepted.