In alcohol literature, various genetic and environmental theories have been proposed for the transfer of alcohol problems, however these have resulted in a number of unanswered questions regarding the extent that these factors influence the transmission of alcohol use behaviour. It is therefore suggested that specific cognitions related to alcohol use are fundamental in determining future alcohol use. Studies by Oei and colleagues (Baldwin, Oei, & Young, 1993; Lee & Oei, 1993; Oei & Burrow, 2000; Oei, Fergusson, & Lee, 1998) have investigated two cognitive constructs that together have shown to be predictive of the quantity and frequency of alcohol use; Alcohol Expectancies (AE) and Drinking Refusal Self-Efficacy (DRSE). Whereas a number of studies have shown that parental alcohol behaviour and attitudes can predict their offsprings’’ alcohol use, no study to date has directly assessed parents’ AE and DRSE with those of their children. The current thesis proposed a cognitive model for the Intergenerational Transference of Alcohol Use Behaviour (see Campbell & Oei, 2010) suggesting that parental alcohol cognitions and behaviour will contribute to their offsprings’ cognitions, in turn leading to their alcohol use. Study 1 (N = 1256) tested the cognitive model to determine its accuracy and the relationships it encompasses. The data was then split into younger (<12 years) and older (>12 years) child groups to determine if the model was consistent in offspring in differing maturational and cognitive stages of development and alcohol use. It was revealed that the overall data fit the model well. Different patterns were however revealed between the two groups suggesting that parental alcohol use behaviour was moderately associated with alcohol expectancies in their young children, whereas their AE and DRSE became more significant in the maintenance of their older offsprings’ alcohol use. Study 2 (N=492) tested the model across parent/offspring gender dyads in an attempt to isolate the cognitive and behavioural aspects that are specific to gender in determining the intergenerational transference of alcohol use behaviour. Same and cross gender comparisons revealed that sons were influenced by paternal, but not maternal, alcohol cognitions, whereas no influence was exerted on daughters’ cognitions or behaviour from either parent. Such findings suggest that males may be more prone to genetic influences whereas females may be more sensitive to disruptions in their home environment. As such, the role of Family Functioning was assessed in Study 3 (N =482) to determine whether this environmental factor contributes further to the overall cognitive model between sons and daughters. Results indicated that family environment was significantly related to parents higher AE and lower DRSE, but not their offsprings’. Separation of parent and child data revealed that sons, but not daughters, were influenced more by family functioning. However, upon further investigation results revealed that poor family environment had a greater impact on fathers than mothers, and that this impacted on sons but not daughters. It therefore seems plausible from these results that females (mothers and daughters) alcohol use is related to variables external to the family environment such as peers or media. The final study tested the cognitive model using longitudinal data to determine causal relationships in the transference of alcohol use behaviour. Findings suggest that the relationship between parent and offspring alcohol cognitions could explicitly predict children’s alcohol use behaviour. Specifically, the model revealed that parents’ self-efficacy beliefs, but not their expectancies, was associated with children’s DRSE, and that children’s alcohol cognitions significantly predicted their alcohol consumption six months later. The study did reveal however that children’s alcohol expectancies may become less influential in the maintenance of alcohol consumption as they get older. Overall findings suggest that the cognitive model for the intergenerational transference of alcohol problems has advantages for prevention and treatment strategies, particularly given that that cognitions, and in turn behaviours are particularly modifiable to change. Theoretical implications also exist such that a testable model adds depth to the conceptualisation of the mechanisms for the transference of alcohol problems within families. Particularly, the opportunity arises to incorporate cognitive influences into the intergenerational literature, resulting in a more thorough Genotype x Environment x Cognitive theory.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/291225 |
| Creators | Justine Campbell |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Detected Language | English |
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