The role of parenting in developmental trajectories of risk for adolescent substance use: a bioecological systems cascade model

Abstract

Parenting is a key influence and prevention target for adolescent substance use, and changes dramatically in form and function during adolescence. This theoretical synthesis reviews evidence of associations of substance use-specific parenting behaviors, dimensions, and styles with adolescent substance use, and integrates key developmental and family theories (e.g., bioecological, dynamical systems, family systems, developmental cascades) and methodological-conceptual advances to illustrate the complex role that parenting plays for the development of adolescent substance use in combination with child and contextual influences. The resulting bioecological systems cascade model centers the dynamic co-development of parenting and child influences in developmental cascades that lead to more or less risk for adolescent substance use. These trajectories are initiated by intergenerational influences, including genetics, parents’ familial environments, and child-parent attachment. Culture and context influences are a holistic backdrop shaping parent-adolescent trajectories. Parenting is influences are conceptualized as a complex process by which specific parenting behaviors are informed by and accumulate into parenting dimensions which together comprise general parenting styles and are informed by the broader family context. The co-development of parenting and child biobehavioral risk is shaped by both parents and children, including by the genetics and environments they do and do not share. This co-development is dynamic, and developmental transitions of individuals and the family lead to periods of increased lability or variability that can change the longer-term trajectories of children’s risk for substance use. Methodological avenues for future studies to operationalize the model are discussed.

A Psychometric Examination of the Abbreviated Version of the Parenting Styles Scale Using a Sample of Chilean Adolescents

“…It is worth noting that the relevance of this research is related, firstly, to the fact that this construct (parenting styles) has captured the interest of researchers and professionals over time, as it has been linked to the proper development of adolescents. This research is relevant for families and society [ 1 , 3 , 4 ]. Secondly, the theoretical proposal behind the scale used in this research provides a more complex understanding and evaluation of parenting styles [ 28 , 29 ].…”

“…Parenting styles continue to be the focus of attention due to their cognitive, emotional, relational, and behavioural implications, in addition to their relevance throughout life, particularly in adolescence, considering that they can be protective factors or risk factors at this stage [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]. Parenting styles influence the socialization of children [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ].…”