Family Functioning and Addictive Behavior During Adolescence

Abstract to master's thesis Family functioning and addictive behavior during adolescence. The thesis considers the peculiarities of the structure of addictive families with teenagers. The work is done in the framework of a systematic approach. In accordance with D. Olson`s circular model, the main structural characteristics of the family are: cohesion (degree of emotional ties between family members) and flexibility (a measure of how flexible or, on the contrary, rigid the family system is able to adapt to change when subjected to stressors). Author also explores the relationship of these characteristics of families with different forms of deviant behavior. In an empirical study (N=51) with the use of a control group (N= 52), significant differences between the features of the structural organization of families with adolescents with substance abuse and families with teenagers without addiction was revealed. Namely, in the families with addicted teenagers the level of cohesion was lower than in families with adolescents without substance abuse. Also correlation of the degree of cohesion and flexibility in families of adolescents with willingness to implement their deviant behavior was statistically proven : there was a direct relationship between the level of cohesion in families with teenagers and their degree of impulsivity; the inverse relationship between the level of cohesion in the "ideal" (i.e. desired) family and the degree of their inclination to aggression and violence; the inverse relationship between the level of flexibility in families from the control group and their degree of impulsivity. In the future, the results of the study can be used in preventive work with families and in correctional and psychotherapeutic work with families of adolescents with already developed substance abuse.