NCJ Number
209601
Journal
Journal of Child and Adolescent Substance Abuse Volume: 14 Issue: 3 Dated: 2005 Pages: 1-15
Date Published
2005
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This national representative study analyzed the influence and the differential weight of certain family factors in Spanish adolescent substance abuse.
Abstract
In Spain, adolescent substance abuse is one of the major public health problems, both in the social and economic costs it generates. This study was the first carried out on a national level to identify family factors associated with drug consumption in Spanish adolescents. The intent was to discover the extent to which the family factors associated with drug consumption in Spanish adolescents coincided with those found in other countries. The study consisted of 1,680 students from randomly selected middle schools in Spain. Students completed a self-report questionnaire with items referring to frequency of substance use, family relationships, parental monitoring, parents’ drug consumption, parental attitudes to drugs, neglect, and physical abuse. Demographic variables, such as gender, age, and family structure were also included. The results indicate the risk and protection factors identified do not differ substantially from those found in research carried out in other countries. The socializing function of the family is a pivotal element with regards to its influence on the prevention of drug use in adolescents. A deficit in the socializing function is expressed in a lack of control over children, the presence of attitudes and behaviors perceived as tolerant towards drugs, and the existence of family conflict, either between the parents or the parent(s) and children. References