Parental substance use and offspring anxiety outcomes
Date
2020
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the association between parental substance use and offspring anxiety. Analyses were conducted to characterize this association as well as determine if the association was different depending on the type of substance primarily used by the parent (i.e., whether the parent primarily used alcohol versus some other drug). Family systems theory provides theoretical support for these analyses, as substance use of one family member affects the entire family. This study uses secondary data (n=601), where offspring were surveyed regarding their parent’s substance use habits. Data was collected at a large research university in the United States and the sample consists of individuals aged 18-25. Regression analyses were conducted to characterize the association between parental substance use and offspring anxiety. Results suggest that parental substance use is associated with higher levels of anxiety in offspring. This was true for both clinical anxiety and anxiety measured continuously in this sample. Further, the pattern of results was similar for offspring with parents who used primarily alcohol versus offspring with parents who primarily used substances other than alcohol. These findings contribute to current literature as well as provides insight into potential for interventions regarding the association between parental substance use and offspring mental health, with a specific emphasis on anxiety.
Description
Keywords
Parental substance use, Offspring anxiety