Parental Drinking Patterns and Adolescent Alcohol Consumption: Considering the Role of Sex and Developmental Stage.

Abstract

Introduction: Research indicates that parental behaviors shape adolescents' alcohol consumption, but it is unclear whether mothers or fathers have a more significant impact and how this relationship varies by sex and developmental stage. This study examines the effects of parental alcohol consumption patterns on adolescents in Russia using a large representative sample.

Methods: The study employs pooled data from the Russia Longitudinal Monitoring Survey-Higher School of Economics (RLMS-HSE) from 2006 to 2019. The final sample included 25 611 cases of adolescents with the available data on their parents (20% male adolescents aged 14-17, 20% female adolescents aged 14-17, 28% male adolescents aged 18-22, and 32% female adolescents aged 18-22; M = 18.22, SD = 2.63). Logistic regression models were used to account for sex and developmental stages. Adolescent drinking was measured as a binary variable indicating drinking at least sometimes, while parental drinking was categorised into five levels, including moderate and excessive consumption.

Results: Maternal alcohol consumption patterns were associated with adolescent drinking. Sex differences were observed, with parental drinking patterns showing a greater association with alcohol use for female adolescents. For middle adolescents, a positive association with excessive alcohol consumption by their parents was found.

Conclusion: The study emphasises the importance of considering both parents' alcohol consumption patterns when examining adolescent alcohol use, with findings indicating that maternal drinking played a more significant role than paternal drinking. It is crucial to explore this relationship separately for male and female adolescents, considering the stage of adolescence.