Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2025

Measuring the Functional Abilities of Children Aged 3-6 Years Old with Observational Methods and Computer Tools
Published on: June 20, 2020
Screening for Adolescent Risk Behaviors: Preliminary Evidence for a Family Functioning Tool
Alejandra Fernandez1, Alyssa Lozano2, Tae Kyoung Lee3
1Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Dallas, TX, USA. alejandra.fernandez@uth.tmc.edu.
A new 26-item family functioning scale shows that better family dynamics are linked to lower rates of adolescent smoking, drinking, and drug use. This tool can help identify at-risk youth.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent Health
- Family Studies
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Family functioning significantly impacts adolescent behaviors, including substance use and sexual risk-taking.
- Identifying adolescents at risk is crucial for preventing adverse health outcomes.
- This study investigated the link between a comprehensive family functioning construct and adolescent risk behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between a latent family functioning construct and adolescent substance use and sexual risk behaviors.
- To develop a measurable construct of family functioning applicable to adolescent populations.
- To identify potential barriers in screening for adolescent risk behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data harmonization from three intervention trials with 1451 adolescents.
- Performed a full-information item bifactor analysis on 46 family functioning items from five measures.
- Employed regression analysis to assess the relationship between family functioning and substance use/sexual risk behaviors.
Main Results:
- A 26-item latent family functioning construct was identified through bifactor analysis.
- This construct was negatively associated with lifetime and past 90-day cigarette, alcohol, and drug use.
- No specific results were reported regarding sexual risk behaviors in the provided abstract.
Conclusions:
- The multi-dimensional latent family functioning construct can aid in screening adolescent populations.
- This approach may help overcome barriers like time constraints and hesitancy in discussing sensitive topics.
- Culturally appropriate and age-appropriate assessments are key for effective risk screening.
More Related Videos
13:08Measurement of Fronto-limbic Activity Using an Emotional Oddball Task in Children with Familial High Risk for Schizophrenia
Published on: December 2, 2015
07:56Assessing the Coherence of Parents' Short Narratives Regarding their Child Using the Five-Minute Speech Sample Procedure
Published on: September 19, 2019
Related Concept Videos
Cognitive Development During Adolescence
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
Influence of Parents and Peers on Identity
Parental Influence on Identity Development
Parents serve as primary guides and managers in an adolescent's life, offering support instrumental in decision-making and personal growth....
Conduct Disorder
Self-Report Tests of Personality