add to Psychology Final Research paper$5

6

Running Head: CHILD BEHAVIORS AND SUBSTANCE USE

Child Behavior and Substance Use

By: Tenasia Campbell

Pamela Auburn

University of Houston- Downtown

Due: 4/26/15

Introduction

The issue of substance use is directly associated with morbidity and mortality that does not only harm the individuals using them put also puts those around them at risk. The problem of substance abuse is most common in young adults and children. The health risks associated with substance use are often ignored by these individuals completely putting them at risks of various other problems such as suicide, car crashes and unintentional injuries. Child behavior and substance abuse is directly linked to the parenting style that the child is exposed to. The choices made by these young adolescents are significantly influenced by the way their parents bring them up. However, the influence of parents is not limited to their upbringing style alone; other factors such as their personal choices might impact the child’s behavior significantly. In this paper the influence of parents on their child’s behavior and substance use shall be explored in detail.

Summary

There are a number of common risk factors that make children prone to substance use include the following:

1. Family History of addiction.

2. Psychiatric disorder.

A family history of addiction and substance use significantly makes a child prone to following down the same path. [Kaplow, Curran, & Dodge. (2002)] Parental substance use directly impacts the psychology of the child’s brain making him more likely to find the entire concept of substance use attractive. This notion is directly supported by the Social Learning Theory that hypothesizes that children model their parent’s behavior. Young children have a tendency of mimic and follow the behaviors of their elders. In order to seek approval they unconsciously tend to adopt the ideology of following in their footsteps. Another theory that can be used to signify this notion is the Social Control Theory that hypothesizes that children who have a strong relationship with their parents are less likely to feel the need to rebel and break the rules. The development of a strong emotional bond between parents and adolescents plays a significant role in determining whether or not children become prone to substance abuse. Hence, family history and parental role and involvement both act as strong factors in determining whether or not a child follows the same course. [Petraitis. Flay & Miller. (1995)]

The two theories discussed above go hand in hand. Parental attitude towards the substance use significantly impacts the child’s perception of how they view that entire concept of using drugs. Other factors such as parental monitoring and control portray a similar correlation. The tolerance level of the parent and the level of provision of freedom that is provided to the children can also influence the child’s choice.

Discussion and Evaluation

It has already been established that parents play a huge role in determining whether or not their child becomes prone to substance use. The question of what parenting factors can increase the risks of substance abuse in children shall now be explored in details.

1. Substance Use and Parent Maltreatment.

2. Neglect and lack of emotional bonding.

3. Parental tolerance level.

4. Parenting style.

1. Substance Use and Parent Maltreatment

Substance use and parent maltreatment are directly linked with each other. Parents who use drugs are more prone towards maltreatment of their children. These aggressive behaviors ultimately impact the response of the child making him more prone towards drug use. The same behaviors of their parents are duplicated in to the children. This behavior is usually done in rebellion and to seek peace away from their unwelcoming home environment. Parents who themselves use drugs are less likely to be emotionally involved with their children. Due to this lack of proper bonding, children and young adolescents are more likely to isolate themselves from their parents. Lack of proper bonding and communication ultimately drives these individuals to seek out other methods to find solace in.

2. Neglect and Emotional Bonding

The closeness of a child to a parent plays a significant role in a child’s behavior. Children of parents, who have strong understanding and emotional bonding, are less likely to use drugs later in life. The strong relationship serves as a means of allowing these children to realize where their boundaries lie. Furthermore, it allows the children to respect the opinion, rules and decisions that their parents make for them. The support and help that they are provided with at this stage plays a significant role in allowing them to make the right choices. Moreover, parental involvement helps the child at the emotional level and provides the young individual with the chance of sorting out his priorities in life carefully. [Coomba. & Landsverk. (1988)]

3. Parental Tolerance Level

The tolerance level offered by the parent is also an important factor in child substance abuse. If the parents adopt a more lenient behavior and attitude towards the issue of substance use, then the child is more likely to consider the entire notion as being ordinary. The child is less likely to feel guilty about his behaviors if the parents do not show any concern regarding that issue. Children of parents who observe a strict rule over their children on such matters from an early age are less likely to end up using drugs, alcohol and other substances. Out of fear of being caught or disappointing their parents, they normally would choose to abstain from substance use.

4. Parenting Style

Parenting style is basically a complex activity that includes many behaviors that directly impact the behavior of the child. Hence, parenting styles determine the type of outcomes that you could expect from a certain child. There are a total of four identified parenting styles:

1. Authoritarian Parenting Style: These parents lay down strict rules and regulations that they want their children to follow without explanation. They demand obedience of their children and observe a strict rule over them to ensure that they follow the guidelines provided to them.

2. Indulgent Parenting Style: Indulgent parents are less likely to observe a strict rule. These parents adopt a more lenient hand over their children. They are not demanding of their children and often dismiss any rebellious behavior of their children. They also tend to avoid confronting their children of their behaviors by allowing their children to function independently.

3. Authoritative Parenting Style: These parents adopt a very delicate approach of balancing between a strict and lenient environment. They are both demanding and responsive to their children’s behaviors. They set a clear standard for their children but allow them the independency that they seek.

4. Uninvolved Parenting Style: This parenting style is perhaps the least effective parenting methodology. Parents who use this style are not only uninvolved but also oblivious to their children’s behavioral, psychological and emotional demands. [Baumrind, (1991)]

Of all the four parenting styles discussed above, the authoritative parenting style is the best approach that limits the cases of child substance abuse. Parents who are too strict force their children to be confined to certain limits. This tends to make the children more curious and seek our rebellious behaviors. Children of overly lenient parents tend to find issues like substance abuse normal and insignificant. Hence, parenting styles that are adopted by parents in order to raise their kids can significantly impact the child’s behaviors later in life. [Aunola. Stattin. & Nurmi. (2000)]

Conclusion

Child substance use is an issue that is becoming an area of major concern in today’s world. More and more teenagers and young adolescents are trying out drugs and consuming alcohol at excessive rates that directly impacts their health and well-being. It is important to note that parents have a significant role to play in the behavioral response that their children give. The reason why certain individuals end up using drugs and others do not is directly linked with the type of parenting style that they were exposed to. The impact of each of the four parenting styles described above can be put to further research to figure out which approach is the most appropriate towards limiting the chances of substance use in young adolescents.

References

Kaplow, J. B., Curran, P. J., & Dodge, K. A. (2002). Child, parent, and peer predictors of early-onset substance use: A multisite longitudinal study. Journal of abnormal child psychology, 30(3), 199-216.

Petraitis, J., Flay, B. R., & Miller, T. Q. (1995). Reviewing theories of adolescent substance use: organizing pieces in the puzzle. Psychological bulletin, 117(1), 67.

Baumrind, D. (1991). The influence of parenting style on adolescent competence and substance use. The Journal of Early Adolescence, 11(1), 56-95.

Aunola, K., Stattin, H., & Nurmi, J. E. (2000). Parenting styles and adolescents' achievement strategies. Journal of adolescence, 23(2), 205-222.

Coombs, R. H., & Landsverk, J. (1988). Parenting styles and substance use during childhood and adolescence. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 473-482.