Exploring the Links Between Parenting Styles,Differentiation of Self and Substance use in Spanish-Speaking Adolescents

Abstract

Research shows that parenting, specifically, parental warmth and demandingness, are associated with lower substance use. However, little is known about the psychological phenomena that underlie this association. This study aims to explore the relationship between parenting (warmth and demandingness) and substance use, considering the moderating role of the dimensions of differentiation of self (emotional reactivity and emotional cutoff), a key psychological construct in Bowen's theory. A cross-sectional study was performed among adolescents from Spanish-speaking countries. Participants, aged 12–18 (N = 4,119), completed an online questionnaire about relationships, lifestyles, and risk behaviors. Multivariate regression analyses showed that parental warmth, demandingness, and emotional reactivity predicted lower odds of substance use. The interaction between reactivity and demandingness was significant and in the expected direction. These findings highlight the potential value of including emotional regulation and family relationship dynamics in prevention strategies aimed at reducing adolescent substance use.

Keywords

Substance use parenting styles differentiation of self emotional reactivity adolescents

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