Parental Alcohol Use and Adolescent School Adjustment
Author Information
Author(s): Fartein A. Torvik, Kamilla Rognmo, Helga Ask, Espen Røysamb, Kristian Tambs
Primary Institution: Norwegian Institute of Public Health
Hypothesis
This study investigates the relationship between parental drinking and school adjustment in adolescents.
Conclusion
Parental alcohol abuse is an independent risk factor for attention and conduct problems at school.
Supporting Evidence
- Children of alcohol abusers had elevated attention and conduct problem scores.
- Maternal alcohol abuse was particularly predictive of attention problems.
- Children of abstainers performed better than children of light drinkers.
- Adolescent mental distress was a strong predictor of attention problems.
Takeaway
If your parents drink a lot, you might have a harder time paying attention and behaving well in school, but you can still enjoy being there.
Methodology
The study used a health survey with adolescents reporting on school adjustment and parents reporting their drinking behavior.
Potential Biases
Potential bias from self-reported alcohol use and school adjustment measures.
Limitations
The study is cross-sectional, which limits causal conclusions, and relies on self-reported data, which may be biased.
Participant Demographics
Adolescents aged 13-19 years from a Norwegian county.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% C.I. varies by analysis
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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