Abstract
Previous studies on general parenting have demonstrated the relevance of strict parenting within a supportive social context
for a variety of adolescent behaviors, such as alcohol use. Yet, alcohol-specific parenting practices are generally examined
as separate predictors of adolescents’ drinking behavior. The present study examined different developmental profiles of alcohol-specific
parenting (rule-setting, quality and frequency of communication about alcohol use) and how these patterns relate to the initiation
and growth of adolescents’ drinking. A longitudinal sample of 883 adolescents (47 % female) including four measurements (between
ages 12 and 16) was used. Latent class growth analysis revealed that five classes of parenting could be distinguished. Communication
about alcohol appeared to be fairly stable over time in all parenting classes, whereas the level of rule-setting declined
in all subgroups of parents as adolescents grow older. Strict rule-setting in combination with a high quality and frequency
of communication was associated with the lowest amount of drinking; parents scoring low on all these behaviors show to be
related to the highest amount of drinking. This study showed that alcohol-specific rule-setting is most effective when it
coincides with a good quality and frequency of communication about alcohol use. This indicates that alcohol-specific parenting
behaviors should be taken into account as an alcohol-specific parenting context, rather than single parenting practices. Therefore,
parent-based alcohol interventions should not only encourage strict rule setting, the way parents communicate with their child
about alcohol is also of major importance.
for a variety of adolescent behaviors, such as alcohol use. Yet, alcohol-specific parenting practices are generally examined
as separate predictors of adolescents’ drinking behavior. The present study examined different developmental profiles of alcohol-specific
parenting (rule-setting, quality and frequency of communication about alcohol use) and how these patterns relate to the initiation
and growth of adolescents’ drinking. A longitudinal sample of 883 adolescents (47 % female) including four measurements (between
ages 12 and 16) was used. Latent class growth analysis revealed that five classes of parenting could be distinguished. Communication
about alcohol appeared to be fairly stable over time in all parenting classes, whereas the level of rule-setting declined
in all subgroups of parents as adolescents grow older. Strict rule-setting in combination with a high quality and frequency
of communication was associated with the lowest amount of drinking; parents scoring low on all these behaviors show to be
related to the highest amount of drinking. This study showed that alcohol-specific rule-setting is most effective when it
coincides with a good quality and frequency of communication about alcohol use. This indicates that alcohol-specific parenting
behaviors should be taken into account as an alcohol-specific parenting context, rather than single parenting practices. Therefore,
parent-based alcohol interventions should not only encourage strict rule setting, the way parents communicate with their child
about alcohol is also of major importance.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Empirical Research
- Pages 1-10
- DOI 10.1007/s10964-012-9772-9
- Authors
- Ina M. Koning, Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80.140, 3508 TC Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Regina J. J. M. van den Eijnden, Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80.140, 3508 TC Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Jacqueline E. E. Verdurmen, Trimbos Institute, Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Rutger C. M. E. Engels, Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Wilma A. M. Vollebergh, Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80.140, 3508 TC Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Journal Journal of Youth and Adolescence
- Online ISSN 1573-6601
- Print ISSN 0047-2891