Parental–Adolescent Drug Use Discussions: Physiological Responses and Associated Outcomes

Abstract

Purpose Although talking to youth about drugs is often recommended to parents, we know little about how parents actually discuss drugs with their children in the moment and how parental advice is linked to youth arousal and substance use. This study examined observed parental drug use advice and parenting behaviors during parent-adolescent drug use discussions and associations with adolescent physiological responses and substance use. Methods Fifty eight 12–17 year olds and their primary caregivers participated in a laboratory session in which parents and youth discussed the topic of alcohol and/or drug use for ten minutes. This discussion was videotaped and coded for drug use advice (rules against drug use, information on drug use consequences, scenarios/learning advice [discussing drug use scenarios and what the child has learned about drugs]) and general parenting behaviors (parental warmth/support, negative/critical parenting). Before, during, and after the discussions, adolescents’ heart rate, blood pressure, and salivary cortisol levels were assessed. Results Parental discussion of scenarios/learning was associated with lower adolescent blood pressure responses to the discussions and lower likelihood of substance use. Parental discussion of rules against drug use was associated with higher heart rate and blood pressure responses, and greater likelihood of substance use. Criticism/negative parenting was associated with higher cortisol responses and greater likelihood of substance use at a trend level. Conclusions Parenting characterized by greater discussion of drug use scenarios, and less stating of rules against drug use and criticism may make youth feel more comfortable and be linked to lower substance use. Implications and Contributions This study observed family discussions about drug use. Parents who discussed drug use scenarios had adolescents who felt more comfortable and were less likely to use substances. In contrast, parents who stated rules against drug use had adolescents who were less comfortable and more likely to use drugs.

Parent–child connectedness and communication in relation to alcohol, tobacco and drug use in adolescence: An integrative review of the literature

“…Parents are more likely to have the opportunity to have frequent conversations and set rules effectively when PCC is high (Cleveland, Gibbons, Gerrard, Pomery, & Brody, 2005;Guilamo-Ramos et al, 2008;Harakeh, Scholte, Vermulst, de Vries, & Engels, 2010;Koning, Van den Eijnden, & Vollebergh, 2014;Maggi et al, 2014). In Chaplin and colleagues' (Chaplin et al, 2014) observational study adolescents' physiological responses were measured during conversations with parents; when parents displayed behaviours suggestive of low PCC, such as criticism and sarcasm, adolescents tended to display higher cortisol levels, which were indicative of greater feelings of discomfort. In terms of smoking, when there are high levels of PCC, adolescents may not wish to disappoint their parents by using cigarettes (Kulbok et al, 2010;Levy et al, 2010).…”

“…The way in which parents talk to their children about substance use is crucial; when they are perceived as lecturing them, adolescents are often unreceptive and do not assimilate these messages (Guilamo-Ramos et al, 2008;Levy et al, 2010;Maggi et al, 2014;Metzger et al, 2013;Sherriff et al, 2008). Having constructive conversations in which parents and children participate equally appears to be more effective (Chaplin et al, 2014;Highet, 2005). When conversations are open and involve discussions rather than lectures, adolescents feel more comfortable and report lower rates of substance use (Chaplin et al, 2014).…”

“…Having constructive conversations in which parents and children participate equally appears to be more effective (Chaplin et al, 2014;Highet, 2005). When conversations are open and involve discussions rather than lectures, adolescents feel more comfortable and report lower rates of substance use (Chaplin et al, 2014). In terms of alcohol use, parents feel that it is necessary to negotiate boundaries around drinking behaviour, preferring to use a harm reduction than an abstinence based approach (Bourdeau et al, 2012;Highet, 2005;Sherriff et al, 2008).…”

“…When parents only talk to their children about rules and tell them not to use substances, adolescents feel threatened and report increased rates of alcohol, tobacco and drug use (Chaplin et al, 2014;Huver et al, 2006;Kam, 2011), although in one study the results were positive but not statistically significant (Nonnemaker et al, 2012). In a qualitative study, adolescents reported that when their parents use such communication, they tend to ignore what is said (Maggi et al, 2014).…”

“…Softer communication, however, is viewed more positively (Guilamo-Ramos et al, 2008;Kulbok et al, 2010;Maggi et al, 2014). When parents include messages about health risks and potential consequences of use, adolescents are less likely to use substances (Chaplin et al, 2014;Huver et al, 2006). However, in one study, discussion of consequences had no effect on alcohol use (Reimuller, Hussong, & Ennett, 2013) and in another had a detrimental effect on cannabis use initiation (Nonnemaker et al, 2012).…”