Effect of Parental Behaviors on Adolescents' Binge Drinking and Externalizing and Internalizing Problems Via Adolescents' Future Orientation.

Adolescence is a critical developmental stage in which family dynamics strongly influence behaviors such as binge drinking and emotional regulation. This study examined whether future orientation mediates the effects of parental behaviors on adolescents' internalizing and externalizing problems, as well as binge drinking. Data came from a three-wave longitudinal study conducted at Social Assistance Reference Centers (SARCs) in 12 Brazilian municipalities. The sample included 1,610 participants from 805 families, each with one adolescent aged 10-14 years and one caregiver. Assessments occurred at baseline, six months, and 12 months. Parenting variables included positive parental relationships, family communication skills, problem-solving skills, and parental expectations. Models tested the direct and indirect effects of these variables on adolescent outcomes, with future orientation as a potential mediator. Future orientation mediated the association between positive parental relationships and externalizing problems. Positive parental relationships and problem-solving skills were directly linked to reductions in externalizing problems and binge drinking. Family communication skills and parental expectations also showed direct effects on externalizing problems, though without mediation by future orientation. These findings underscore the role of positive parenting practices in reducing behavioral problems and promoting healthy adolescent development. Interventions aimed at strengthening family relationships, problem-solving, and communication may effectively address externalizing behaviors and decrease binge drinking, particularly in socioeconomically vulnerable contexts.