Family’s role in adolescents’ alcohol use in Bagcilar, Turkey

Abstract

ABSTRACTBackground: The prevalence of alcohol use among adolescents is alarming, given the potential negative social and health consequences of this behavior. In Turkey, a secular Islamic country where little research has been conducted on adolescents’ alcohol and drug use, such research is urgently needed. Objectives: The present study drew on Hirschi’s social bonding theory and Agnew’s general strain theory to examine the role that family plays in Turkish adolescents’ alcohol use. The family is a source of both resources and strain. It is a key institution at all life stages and especially during adolescence. Our study asked whether and how family-related strain and bonding variables explained the current alcohol use of one group of Turkish 10th-grade students. Methods: The study data came from the Youth in Europe research project; the cross-sectional data were collected in 2008 in Bagcilar, Turkey. Our final sample numbered 2,090 participants. Results: This study generally showed participants’ alcohol use to be explained to a degree by family-related strain and bonding variables. Conclusions: Our results confirmed that in Turkey, the family does shape adolescents’ alcohol use. The findings will clearly be useful during design and enhancement of prevention programs meant to deter Turkish adolescents from alcohol use.