Naslov
Gender differences in the relationship between some family characteristics and adolescent substance abuse

Autori
Brajša-Žganec, Andreja ; Raboteg-Šarić, Zora ; Glavak, Renata

Izvornik
Društvena istraživanja (1330-0288) 58-59 (2002), 2-3; 335-352

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
family functioning; family structure; adolescent; gender; substance abuse

Sažetak
Recent researchers have identified family variables as potential risk and protective factors against adolescent substance abuse. This study examines the relationship between some family variables and cigarette, alcohol and drug abuse. Differences between adolescent boys and adolescent girls, according to the family variables used, were also researched. The sample included 1, 258 boys and 1, 538 girls (between the ages from 14-20) from all areas of Croatia. The adolescents described their family structures, the degree of family cohesion, parental social support, and family interaction (family activities and leisure time spent with family). They also described their use of cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs during their lives. The results show that, when compared to adolescents from single parent families, both boys and girls whose parents are married feel that they receive more parental social support. While adolescent boys do not make a distinction in their evaluation of family cohesion, adolescent girls whose parents are married evaluate family cohesion better than adolescent girls from single parent families. The family interaction scale showed a statistically significant difference only for the boy sample, on the subscale of leisure time spent with family. Stepwise regression analyses were conducted on both adolescent boy and adolescent girl samples with three types of substance abuse (cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs) as criterion variables, and four subscales of family functioning as predictors. Family variables are related to adolescent cigarette, alcohol and drug use, but predictive factors vary according to the gender of the participant. The results are discussed in relation to different socialization patterns of adolescent boys and adolescent girls.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Psihologija

POVEZANOST RADA