This study examined how parental alcohol dependence symptoms and parenting behaviors can influence teenagers’ risky drinking and conduct problems using a family-based approach. By understanding the impact of both parents’ alcohol problems and their parenting styles, we can gain insights into the factors that contribute to adolescent risk behaviors and behavior problems. The study showed that when fathers had more symptoms of alcohol dependence, it affected their ability to engage in positive parenting, which in turn increased the likelihood of their teenagers engaging in risky drinking and having behavior problems. However, the same direct or indirect effect was not observed with mothers’ alcohol dependence symptoms. Additionally, these associations were consistent across different ethnic backgrounds and genders of the children involved in the study.
Su J, Kuo SI, Aliev F, Guy MC, Derlan CL, Edenberg HJ, Nurnberger JI Jr, Kramer JR, Bucholz KK, Salvatore JE, Dick DM. Influence of Parental Alcohol Dependence Symptoms and Parenting on Adolescent Risky Drinking and Conduct Problems: A Family Systems Perspective. Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2018 Sep;42(9):1783-1794. doi: 10.1111/acer.13827. Epub 2018 Jul 20. PMID: 29969154; PMCID: PMC6120770.
