Although it has been estimated that 28,000,000 Americans may be children of alcoholics, these individuals have only recently been given serious attention by researchers and clinicians. Empirical studies pertaining to the effects of having alcoholic parents were reviewed and several clusters of characteristics were derived from the findings: (1) emotional traits; (2) personality characteristics; (3) identity issues; (4) physical health; (5) social relationships; and (6) school involvement. Within each of these clusters, individual factors were examined and were found to vary as to the degree of consistency and quantity of empirical data. In general, however, a useful degree of consensus was found and existing conflicts were tentatively resolved. The studies do not eliminate the possibility that many of the characteristics found in children of alcoholics may also occur in children from families which are dysfunctional in alternate ways. In addition, the studies have not explored the possibility that many children may have alcoholic parents without the stereotypical results. A 48-item reference list concludes the document. (NE)