Prospective Effects of Family Cohesion on Alcohol-Related Problems in Adolescence: Similarities and Differences by Race/Ethnicity

Abstract

Research increasingly finds that race/ethnicity needs to be taken into account in the modelling of associations between protective factors and adolescent drinking behaviors in order to understand family effects and promote positive youth development. The current study examined racial/ethnic variation in the prospective effects of family cohesion on adolescent alcohol-related problems using a nationally representative sample. Data were drawn from the first two waves of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health and included 10,992 (50% female) non-Hispanic Asian, non-Hispanic Black, Latino, and non-Hispanic White 7th-12th graders. Consistent with Hirschi's social control theory of youth delinquency, higher levels of family cohesion predicted lower levels of future adolescent alcohol-related problems, independent of race/ethnicity, sex, age, baseline alcohol-related problems, and family socioeconomic status. Findings from moderation analyses indicated that the magnitude of associations differed across groups such that the protective effect of family cohesion was strongest among White adolescents. For Latino adolescents, family cohesion was not associated with alcohol-related problems. Future longitudinal cross-racial/ethnic research is needed on common and unique mechanisms underlying differential associations between family processes and adolescent high-risk drinking. Understanding these processes could help improve preventive interventions, identify vulnerable subgroups, and inform health policy aimed at reducing alcohol-related health disparities.

Internet Gaming Disorder Behaviors in Emergent Adulthood: a Pilot Study Examining the Interplay Between Anxiety and Family Cohesion

“…In that line, family contextual factors including parenting attitudes, family communication, and cohesion have been found to act protectively for excessive Internet use, whereas others, such as exposure to family conflicts, have been shown to increase it (Park et al 2008). In this context, the significance of family cohesion has been illustrated for understanding addictive behaviors (Reeb et al 2015). Family cohesion is described as the Bemotional bonding among family members and the feeling of closeness that is expressed by feelings of belonging and acceptance within the family ( Johnson et al 2001, p. 306).…”

Degree of family cohesion and social class are associated with the number of cavitated dental caries in adolescents

“…This indicator reflects the level of dependence and independence among the components of a family, and should be studied at different times, since it changes as the adolescent develops. 11,12,13 Higher levels of family cohesion are believed to contribute to more adequate behavior on the part of adolescents, thereby reducing the likelihood of their developing impulsive and antisocial behavior 14 and having poor oral health habits. The central hypothesis of this study is that family cohesion is associated with dental caries among adolescents.…”

“…13 Thus, strengthening family cohesion is a valuable strategy for promoting the oral health of adolescents. 10,13,14,15 The aim of the present study was to investigate associations between dental caries and family cohesion, drug use, sociodemographic factors and visits to the dentist among adolescents aged 15 to 19 years. Investigating these associations can contribute to the establishment of preventive policies that are directed at oral issues and that incorporate factors associated with dental practice.…”

Personality dimensions and social variables – predictors of cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption in adolescence

“…Also, it has been shown that peer contribution increases with age, especially when it comes to risky behavior because friends gain more significant role in making life choices, for example alcohol and cigarette use, while parents have greater role in the development values and life goals [25][26]. In addition to this, parents are often concerned that their children will adopt various negative behaviors due to "bad company" and peer pressure.…”