Childhood or adolescent parental divorce/separation, parental history of alcohol problems, and offspring lifetime alcohol dependence

Abstract

Background This study examined whether the experiences of childhood or adolescent parental divorce/separation and parental alcohol problems affected the likelihood of offspring DSM-IV lifetime alcohol dependence, controlling for parental history of drug, depression, and antisocial behavior problems. Method Data were drawn from the 2001–2002 National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC), a nationally representative United States survey of 43,093 civilian non-institutionalized participants aged 18 and older, interviewed in person. Logistic regression models were used to calculate the main and interaction effects of childhood or adolescent parental divorce/separation and parental history of alcohol problems on offspring lifetime alcohol dependence, after adjusting for parental history of drug, depression, and antisocial behavior problems. Results Childhood or adolescent parental divorce/separation and parental history of alcohol problems were significantly related to offspring lifetime alcohol dependence, after adjusting for parental history of drug, depression, and antisocial behavior problems. Experiencing parental divorce/separation during childhood, even in the absence of parental history of alcohol problems, remained a significant predictor of lifetime alcohol dependence. Experiencing both childhood or adolescent parental divorce/separation and parental alcohol problems had a significantly stronger impact on the risk for DSM-IV alcohol dependence than the risk incurred by either parental risk factor alone. Conclusions Further research is needed to better identify the factors that increase the risk for lifetime alcohol dependence among those who experience childhood or adolescent parental divorce/separation.

Psychosocial problems in childhood and later alcohol consumption: A life course approach with historical information

“…Hope et al using a birth cohort [8] and Wolfinger examining a social survey [9] showed an association between parental divorce in childhood and adult problem drinking. Similar results have been obtained even after controlling for parental alcoholism [7]. Our analyses lacked specific information on parental divorce, but, having eliminated the recall bias, we equally concluded that childhood psychosocial problems had an effect on later drinking pattern.…”

The Effect of Positive Group Psychotherapy on Self-Esteem and State Anger Among Adolescents at Korean Immigrant Churches

“…Parental divorce/separation occurring during childhood or adolescence and a parental history of alcohol problems have been reported to be associated with lifetime alcohol dependence in offspring after adjusting for parental history of drug use, depression, and antisocial behavioral problems (Thompson et al, 2008). Furthermore, experience of parental divorce/separation during childhood, even in the absence of a parental history of alcohol problems, was found to predict lifetime alcohol dependence in a sample of 43,093 American adults (Thompson et al, 2008). Therefore, early preventative intervention for adolescents who experience parental divorce or separation is important for the future well-being of communities.…”

Early life stress and later health outcomes—findings from the Helsinki Birth Cohort Study

“…Abuse, neglect, and separation from either one or both parents during childhood have been shown to be associated with a greater risk of mental health disorders (Afifi et al, 2006(Afifi et al, , 2009Danese et al, 2009;Green et al, 2010;Hjern et al, 2002;Johnson et al, 1999Johnson et al, , 2006M€ akikyr€ o et al, 1998;Morgan et al, 2007;Pesonen et al, 2007;Rubino et al, 2009;Rusby and Tasker, 2009;Sharon et al, 2009;Thompson et al, 2008;Tieman et al, 2005;Veijola et al, 2004Veijola et al, , 2008Widom, 1999;Widom et al, 2007Widom et al, , 2009. Also parental separation during childhood has been shown to have detrimental psychological long-term consequences (Birtchnell and Kennard, 1984;Breier et al, 1988;Foster et al, 2003;Kendler et al, 1992Kendler et al, , 2002Pesonen et al, 2007;Tennant et al, 1982).…”