Transmission of Alcohol Use in African American Single Mother Families: The Maternal Role (2008)

Undergraduate: Jasmin Carmona

Faculty Advisor: Deborah Jones
Department: Psychology & Neuroscience

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This study examined maternal warmth as a mediator of the association between maternal and adolescent (ages 11-16 years) alcohol use in African American single mother and child dyads (N = 193). Using audio computer-assisted interview (ACASI) software, mother-child dyads provided ratings of both alcohol use and maternal warmth. Findings partially supported the proposed hypotheses. Maternal alcohol use was correlated with adolescent use, and maternal warmth was associated with adolescent alcohol use; however, maternal alcohol use was not associated with warmth, a condition necessary to establish mediation. Findings and implications are discussed.