Torvik, F.A., Rognmo, K., Ask, H., et al. – 2011
Results of a study examining the connection between parental alcohol abuse and impaired school adjustment among adolescents. Provides background on the issue, noting previous research on parental alcohol abuse, poor academic performance, and associated behavioral problems. Authors surveyed Norwegian adolescents and parents on school adjustment, parental alcohol use, and parent and child mental health issues. Results indicate that children of alcohol-abusing parents (particularly mothers) display more attention and conduct problems. Adolescent mental distress, divorced parents, and direct exposure to parental drinking are strong predictors of maladjustment in school. Suggests that maternal drinking puts adolescents at high risk for attention and conduct problems, due in part to the consequences of prenatal exposure to alcohol. Results show that adolescent mental distress and maternal drinking are closely associated, and witnessing parental drunkenness is a strong predictor of maladjustment.