The effect of family functioning on the relationship between paternal substance dependence and adolescent alcohol use

Abstract

This longitudinal study examined whether family functioning moderates the relationship between paternal substance dependence and adolescent alcohol use. At the initial assessment (Time 1) the sample included 249 15-19 year-old adolescents and their fathers. All participants were followed-up 5 years later (Time 2). At both times of assessment, all participants were administered an extensive clinical psychiatric interview. Additionally, the adolescent offspring completed a series of self-report questionnaires regarding their perceived family functioning (at Time 1) and alcohol use (at Time 2). Gender differences were also examined. Results indicated that family functioning partially moderates the relationship between paternal substance dependence and adolescent alcohol use. Specifically, family adaptability moderates the relationship between paternal substance dependence and adolescent boys' frequency of alcohol use to "get high"/"get drunk". Results further indicated that family cohesion moderated the relationship between paternal substance dependence and adolescent girls' frequency of alcohol use to "get high"/"get drunk", and family cohesion and support moderated the relationship between paternal substance dependence and symptoms of alcohol abuse reported by adolescent girls. Findings are discussed in relation to the Family Systems Theory, the Ecological Theory, and Developmental Contextual Theory.