Sex-Specific Parental Behaviors and Attitudes as Predictors of Alcohol Use and Alcohol-Related Consequences Among Ninth Grade Students

Abstract

This study examined maternal and paternal influences on adolescent alcohol use and alcohol-related consequences in a sample of ninth grade students (N = 205). Hierarchical regression analyses indicated maternal monitoring and maternal disapproval of teen drinking were significant predictors of teen alcohol use and alcohol-related consequences for males and females. Examination of interaction effects revealed sex differences between paternal variables and teen drinking behavior. Specifically, maternal monitoring was associated with female alcohol use, whereas paternal monitoring was associated with male alcohol use and alcohol-related consequences. In addition, father–daughter general communication was associated with alcohol use and alcohol-related consequences. Implications for sex-specific parent-based counseling interventions are discussed.

Keywords:

• adolescent drinking
• parental influences
• sex differences