Examining the Impact of Authoritative Parenting Behaviors on Marijuana Use in Adolescents Nationwide

Background: Adolescent marijuana use is a major public health problem in the US. The purpose of the study was to determine whether adolescent marijuana use (past year and past month) differed based on frequency of authoritative parenting behaviors (e.g., helping youth with their homework) and demographic variables (sex and age). Methods: A secondary analysis of the 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health was performed, and 17,399 adolescents aged 12 to 17 years were included in the study. Logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: Results indicated 14.3% of adolescents reported past year marijuana use and 7.8% of adolescents reported past month use. Past year and past month use differed based on frequency of authoritative parenting behaviors (e.g., helping youth with their homework). Adolescents at highest risk for use were those with parents who never/seldom engaged in authoritative parenting behaviors. While frequency of these behaviors protected all age groups against use, the protective effect was highest among the younger age group (12 to 13 year olds). Neither past year nor past month marijuana use differed based on sex, but differed based on age. Specifically, 14 to 15 year olds were more likely than 12 to 13 year olds to have used marijuana. Similarly, 16 to 17 year olds were more likely than 12 to 13 year olds to have used marijuana. Conclusions: Specialists should consider these findings when developing substance use prevention programs, and should incorporate parents into efforts and educate them on the importance of adopting authoritative parenting skills.