[Family model and the educational role of parents in the formation of alcohol consumption pattern in adolescents].

BACKGROUND

This analysis is aimed at determining the relationships existing between alcoholic beverage consumption on the part of adolescents and two psychosocial variables: the consumption of alcohol on the part of other members of the family system and the paternal educational strategies.

METHODS

A sample of 1100 adolescents of both sexes was taken, ranging 15 to 19 years of age in the city of Valencia. Three variables were evaluated using the pertinent tools: a) paternal family socializing strategies; b) the adolescent's feeling about the consumption of seven types of alcoholic beverages by the members of his/her family; and c) consumption of seven different types of alcoholic beverages on the part of the adolescents on weekends.

RESULTS

Following the application of the variance analysis, it was found that the consumption of alcohol among adolescents is significantly related to the consumption thereof on the part of other members of his/her family, and to the use on the part of the parents of educational strategies based mainly on disapproval and on the lack of understanding and affection.

CONCLUSIONS

The need is inferred of involving parents in the preventive processes for the purpose of creating a positive family environment and also of offering children a rational, controlled model with regard to the family use of alcoholic beverages. Prevention should include the parents as a central active figure of involvement.