An Exploration of the Impact of Non-Dependent Parental Drinking on Children
Research article
Abstract
Aims
To examine the impact of non-dependent parental alcohol use on UK children aged 10–17.
Methods
Cross-sectional survey of UK parents and their children in 2017 (administered to one parent in a household, then their child, totaling 997 adults and 997 children), providing linked data on parental alcohol use from parent and child perspectives. The survey included measures of parents’ alcohol consumption and alcohol use motivations (both reported by parents) and children’s exposure to their parent’s alcohol use patterns and children’s experiences of negative outcomes following their parent’s alcohol use (both reported by children), plus sociodemographic measures.
Results
Logistic regression analysis indicates a significant positive association between parental consumption level and children reporting experiencing negative outcomes. Witnessing a parent tipsy or intoxicated and having a parent who reported predominantly negative alcohol use motives were also associated with increased likelihood of children reporting experiencing negative outcomes. Age was also associated, with older children less likely to report experiencing negative outcomes following their parent’s alcohol use.
Conclusions
Findings suggest levels of and motivations for parental alcohol use, as well as exposure to a parent tipsy or intoxicated, all influence children’s likelihood of experiencing negative outcomes.