Family system characteristics and parental behaviors as predictors of adolescent substance use.

The purpose of this study was to examine adolescent perceptions of family system characteristics and parental behaviors as predictors of adolescent substance use. Self-report questionnaire data were collected from a sample of 489 high school students. Bivariate correlations and multiple regression analysis were used to examine the research hypotheses. Results indicated that the frequency of parental substance use was positively related to adolescent substance use, while family bonding and parental support were negatively related. The results provide support for considering both family system characteristics and parenting behaviors in relation to adolescent substance use.