The Effects of Family Structure and Family Relations on Adolescent Marijuana Use

Keywords

family structure, marijuana initiation, marijuana frequency, peer drug use, family relations

Abstract

The role of family structure in adolescence has been linked to a host of problem behaviors, including marijuana use. This paper investigates the relationship between family structure and marijuana use, and elaborates previous research by 1) exploring several intervening mechanisms that affect the relationship, and 2) examining the effects of a variety of family forms. Analyses of data from the National Youth Survey (1977-79) indicate that 1) a parental divorce or living with a stepparent decreases family attachment among adolescents; 2) attenuated family attachment and involvement increase the likelihood of associating with drug-using peers; and 3) less family involvement and increased associations with drug-using peers increase the probability of initiating marijuana use and elevate frequency of use.

Original Publication Citation

Hoffmann, John P. 1995. “The Effects of Family Structure and Family Relations on Adolescent Marijuana Use.” The International Journal of the Addictions 30(10): 1207-1241.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

1995

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/6901

Publisher

International Journal of the Addictions

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Sociology

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS