Addiction - FAMILY risk factors Flashcards
(7 cards)
What does Social Learning Theory (Bandura, 1977) suggest about how behaviours are learned? Link this to addiction
Social Learning Theory suggests that behaviours are learned through observation and imitation of individuals with whom a person has the most social contact, like parents. For example, adolescents with substance-abusing parents are more likely to engage in substance abuse themselves. Children observe and imitate their parents addictive behaviours.
How is gambling behaviour transmitted within families according to research?
Research shows that gambling behaviours are transmitted gendered within families. Males often first experience gambling through their fathers, and females through their mothers. The types of gambling also vary: females are introduced to machines and bingo, while males are more often introduced to sports betting.
How does parenting style influence addiction risk?
Parenting style affects the likelihood of addiction. For example, perceived parental approval—how much a child believes their parents approve of drugs or addictive behaviours—is a key determinant in whether adolescents engage in these behaviours.
What are some key features of parenting style that influence addiction risk?
Degree of parental control: How much a parent intervenes in their child’s life.
Parental warmth: How much positive affect the parent shows towards the child.
Authoritative parenting: A balanced approach showing warmth and appropriate control, associated with lower levels of substance abuse and better emotional resilience.
What role does sibling influence play in substance use?
Studies show that the behaviour of older siblings strongly influences adolescent substance use. Older siblings act as role models for younger siblings, making them more likely to engage in similar behaviours, such as substance use or deviant behaviours.
Outline Livingston’s study supporting evidence for family influence as a risk factor. How does it support this factor?
Livingston et al. (2010) found that students allowed to drink alcohol at home by their parents were significantly more likely to drink excessively the following year at college. This supports the idea that family context can influence risky behaviours like substance abuse.
What is a limitation of many intervention studies targeting addiction in families?
A limitation is that many interventions target only parents or the adolescent user. Since older siblings often play a stronger role in influencing behaviours like substance use, failing to address sibling influences may hinder efforts to reduce substance abuse.
