Which of the following BEST describes a psychological difference between male and female alcohol abusers?

The best description of a psychological difference between male and female alcohol abusers is that women more often than men will cite a traumatic event that precipitated their drinking. Research has shown that women are more likely to report that their alcohol use is connected to experiences of trauma, such as physical or sexual abuse. This connection often highlights the role of underlying psychological factors, including emotional distress and coping mechanisms, that may lead women to turn to alcohol as a means of managing trauma.

This distinction reflects broader patterns in addiction where female abusers may use substances as a way to cope with negative emotions or past experiences. Understanding this psychological difference is crucial for counselors as it informs treatment approaches, emphasizing trauma-informed care for women who abuse alcohol. Recognizing the traumatic backgrounds that lead to substance use can help in providing more sensitive and effective interventions tailored for women.

The other options do not accurately reflect the established literature on the psychological differences between male and female alcohol abusers. For instance, sociopathy is not distinctly more frequent in female alcoholics compared to male alcoholics, and there is no evidence suggesting that female alcoholics are less frequently characterized by feelings of depression. Additionally, research indicates that the progression of alcohol misuse can vary, but it is not generally established that women move more