African American Adolescents' Interactions with Their Substance-Using Mothers

Abstract

Understanding the interactions that African American youth have with their substance-using mothers is important because of the increased likelihood that these youth depend on their mothers as their primary providers. In-depth interviews were conducted with 14 urban-dwelling, African American adolescents with substance-using mothers to explore the nature of their interactions. Youth report maternal influence on their attitudes in general and toward child-rearing and peer group affiliations. Communication between the dyads is often strained and youth assume roles of sibling protector and maternal confidant. Youth have supportive adults in their lives but their engagement with these supports is also shaped by maternal substance use. Implications for how direct practice with youth might address these outcomes are discussed.

A Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies Exploring Lived Experiences, Perceived Impact, and Coping Strategies of Children and Young People Whose Parents Use Substances

“…Ten studies (11 papers) reported that all young people were living with the parent who uses substances at the time of data collection (Ahuja et al, 2003; D’Costa & Lavalekar, 2021; Dundas, 2000; M. Hill et al, 1996; Johnson, 2013; Mudau, 2018; Ramírez Dávila et al, 2014; Reupert et al, 2012; Templeton et al, 2009; Tinnfält et al, 2018; Velleman et al, 2008). All other studies reported varied living arrangements for young people.…”

“…A minority voice within some studies included children and young people who reflected that their relationship with a parent who uses substances was not affected (Alexanderson & Näsman, 2017; Bancroft et al, 2004; Bernays & Houmøller, 2011; Fraser et al, 2009; M. Hill et al, 1996; Johnson, 2013; McGuire, 2002; Moore et al, 2011; Reupert et al, 2012; Silva et al, 2013; Tinnfält et al, 2018; Wilson et al, 2012), or even that they enjoyed the affection and generosity from their parents when they had been drinking alcohol (M. Hill et al, 1996).…”

“…Hill et al, 1996; Holmila et al, 2011; Houmøller et al, 2011; Johnson, 2013; McGuire, 2002; Moore et al, 2011; Nattala et al, 2020; Park & Schepp, 2018; Park et al, 2016; Ramírez Dávila et al, 2014; Ronel & Haimoff-Ayali, 2010; Silva & Padilha, 2013; Templeton et al, 2009; Tinnfält et al, 2018; Velleman et al, 2008). Some also tried to confront their parent about substance use or gave ultimatums (Backett-Milburn et al, 2008; Bancroft et al, 2004; Christensen, 1997; Hagström & Forinder, 2019; Holmila et al, 2011; Johnson, 2013; McGuire, 2002; McLaughlin et al, 2015; Nattala et al, 2020; Park & Schepp, 2017; Templeton et al, 2009; Turning Point, 2006; Yusay & Canoy, 2019).…”

Race/Ethnicity, Gender, Parentification, and Psychological Functioning

“…Researchers have commented on the criticality of the family system and ecology in which parentification takes place. For example, Johnson (2013) and Burton (2007) contended that in the assessment and treatment of families where parentification exists, determining the extent to which social support and extended family members are available to assist the parentified family member is paramount. In Black American families, kinships and kin may buffer or exacerbate the negative outcomes associated with parentification (Johnson, 2013).…”

“…For example, Johnson (2013) and Burton (2007) contended that in the assessment and treatment of families where parentification exists, determining the extent to which social support and extended family members are available to assist the parentified family member is paramount. In Black American families, kinships and kin may buffer or exacerbate the negative outcomes associated with parentification (Johnson, 2013). In her description of the importance of kinships and fictive kin, Hall (2013) asserted “the clinician should routinely evaluate how the social support system impacts treatment either negatively or positively” (p. 491).…”