Role of family structure and process on adolescent substance use: A test of mediated effects

Abstract

This research tested predictions about indirect effects of family structure on adolescent substance use (tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana) through family process with data from four assessments of a multiethnic sample of 1,526 participants assessed in 6th grade (mean age=11.5 years) and followed with yearly assessments through 9th grade. Structural modeling analyses indicated that nontraditional family structure consistently predicted more arguments with parents and greater parental substance use, and in turn, more adolescent substance use at each assessment. Black and Hispanic race had paths to less parental substance use, and in turn, less adolescent substance use. High levels of parent education predicted less parental substance use and more parental support, and in turn, less adolescent substance use. Implications for prevention research are discussed.