Faculty Sponsor: Professor Emmanuel Kaparakis
Live Poster Session: Zoom Link
Abstract: This study investigates the relationship between parental substance abuse and the subsequent development of mental health disorders in their children. Focusing on both maternal and paternal substance use, the research explores how the type of substance being abused and which parent is abusing effect the development of the mental health of their offspring. This can include the development of afflictions such as anxiety and depression. Drawing on a mixed-methods approach, this study largely utilizes categorical data analysis, drawing from the NESARC data set. The findings suggest that individuals raised by substance-abusing parents, particularly those with both mothers and fathers engaged in substance use, exhibit higher rates of mental illness compared to others whose parents were not substance abusers. In particular, in households where only one spouse is abusing, while the father more often than not is the substance abuser, it is often the effect of the mother abusing substances that leads to higher rates of developed mental health disorders in their children. This research aims to help inform programs dedicated to addressing family dynamics in struggling households and provide insight to professionals who may use these findings to create support networks for affected individuals and families. Above all, as with all mental illness cases worldwide, this research should hopefully emphasize the importance of early action and preventive measures to prevent adolescents from ever finding themselves in these situations in the first place.