Exploring the Correlation between Black Family Structures, Parenting Styles, and Recreational Drug Abuse: A Senior Project

Romain, Isaiah

Exploring the Correlation between Black Family Structures, Parenting Styles, and Recreational Drug Abuse: A Senior Project

Persistent URL

https://hdl.handle.net/10456/57786

Author(s)

Romain, Isaiah

Date Issued

April 3, 2024

Abstract

This senior project investigates the intricate relationship between family structures, parenting styles, and the prevalence of recreational drug abuse among adolescents and young adults. Drawing upon a comprehensive review of existing literature in psychology, sociology, history, and public health. The study explores how various family structures (single-parent household, blended households and nuclear family households) among historically underrepresented families relate to adoption of specific parenting styles and their potential impact on the likelihood of teens and young adults engaging in recreational drug use. Furthermore, I aim to delve into the underlying mechanisms and mediating factors that contribute to or mitigate the risk of substance abuse within specific family environments. It explores how factors such as family cohesion, Parental monitoring, communication patterns, socioeconomic status, and parental attitudes towards drug use shape adolescents attitudes and behaviors towards substance experimentation and misuse. The findings of this research endeavor are expected to yield valuable insights for policymakers, healthcare professionals, educators, and parents in developing targeted interventions and preventive strategies to address the multifaceted challenges associated with recreational drug abuse among young populations. By understanding the complex interplay between family structures, parenting styles, and substance abuse, stakeholders can work towards fostering supportive familial environments conducive to healthy development and resilience against the allure of drugs.

Major

Psychology

First Reader(s)

Clark, Rodney D.