The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #55855

Susan G. Nash, PhD, Amy McQueen, PhD, J. Greg Getz, PhD, and James H. Bray, PhD. Family and Community Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, 3701 Kirby, Houston, TX 77098, 713-798-7855, sgnash@bcm.tmc.edu

Parental involvement in school-based interventions is increasingly viewed as an important adjunct to prevention efforts, although some studies have reported no significant outcome differences and few studies have attempted to delineate the mechanisms of action. This study examined the relationships between family environment and other predictors of adolescent alcohol use, and then tested for moderating effects of parental norms regarding adolescent alcohol use. Data were obtained from comprehensive surveys completed by high school students (n=2473) participating in a longitudinal study of substance use and other problem behaviors. Measures of T1 family environment included acceptance, monitoring, and communication. T2 peer influence measures included use of alcohol by same-age peers and friends, and friends’ norms regarding alcohol. Observed scale scores were used for T2 self-efficacy and T3 stress measures, and T3 alcohol use behavior was measured by quantity, frequency, and associated problems. Structural equation modeling indicated good model fit, c ²(135) = 766.914, p < .001; CFI = .992; RMSEA = .043 (.040, .046), with the overall model accounting for 35% of the variance in alcohol use. Family environment exerted significant indirect effects on adolescent alcohol use through peer influence, self-efficacy, and stress, and significant moderation was found for all structural paths. Greater parental disapproval of adolescent alcohol use produced less involvement with alcohol using friends and peers, less peer influence to use alcohol, more self-efficacy for avoiding alcohol use, and lower subsequent alcohol use and related problems. Implications for designing effective parental involvement components for school based prevention programs are discussed.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of this session the participant will be able to:
• • Identify the pathways through which parents and peers influence adolescent alcohol use.
  • Recognize the role of parental disapproval in deterring alcohol use among adolescents.
  • Develop or evaluate parental involvement components of health education programs in view of current research findings.

Keywords: Alcohol, Family Involvement

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.