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Previous studies have investigated different subtypes of alcoholism. A hypothesis has been set forth that there are two extreme subtypes, which have been categorized by personality profiles and clinical characteristics. Type one consists of alcoholics who are more sensitive to environmental factors, rather than the expression of a genetic influence; the onset is usually after the age of 25, and the symptoms are relatively mild. Type two alcoholics have a severe and early onset, with violent behavior related to alcohol; this type is thought to be more heavily influenced by genetic factors. In an effort to find further evidence for the existence of these two subtypes, 66 men were evaluated for three major personality characteristics using the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire. The subjects consisted of 33 men who had alcoholic fathers and 33 control men whose fathers were not alcoholic; the latter group also had no family history of alcoholism. All subjects were evaluated and were not believed to have an existing substance abuse problem or a history of any serious medical or psychiatric disorder. The Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire was completed by all the subjects and family histories were taken. When the data were analyzed, no significant associations were evident between the subjects' use of alcohol or their family history of alcoholism and the questionnaire scores. Only one correlation was found between the sons' questionnaire scores and the type two characteristics of the fathers. It was concluded that the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire is not clinically relevant for identifying unique characteristics related to family histories, drinking histories, or parental alcoholism. Distinct patterns which differentiate the two subtypes did not emerge. It was also hypothesized by the authors that the type two alcoholic has an antisocial personality disorder which is separate from his alcoholism. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)