Paternal correlates of adolescent marijuana use in the context of the mother-son and parental dyads
Brook, J.S.; Whiteman, M.; Gordon, A.S.; Brook, D.W.
Genetic Psychology Monographs 108(2d Half): 197-213
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0016-6677 PMID: 6605899 Document Number: 211035
The paternal determinants of male adolescent marihuana used were examined in the context of the mother-son and parental relationships. Parental factors affecting experimental vs. regular use of marihuana were also examined. Male college students (246) and their fathers were administered written questionnaires. Evidently, the father's personality attributes and socialization techniques are associated with the son's use of marihuana despite control on the mother-son relationship. Fathers of marihuana users score higher on measures of psychopathology and unconventionality and are less likely to have established close relationships with their sons. Marihuana users more than nonusers have unaffectionate mothers and parents with less harmonious marital relations. Also of importance were interactions within the family system. The significance of these 2nd-order effects highlights the importance of examining the father-son relation in the context of mother-son and parental interactions.