Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 15, 2026

Administration of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in Adolescent and Adult Mice
Published on: August 1, 2025
Association Between Perceived Parent Attitudes and Teen Cannabis and Alcohol Use
Emily Nields1, Machiko Minegishi2, Melissa Brogna2
1Division of Addiction Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
Purpose:
To evaluate the association between teen substance use and neutral or conflicting messages from parents.
Methods:
Secondary analysis using multivariable generalized linear mixed-effect logit models examining associations between middle and high school students self-reported past-year alcohol/cannabis use and parental attitudes.
Results:
Of 4,802 participants (mean age 13.6 years, 48.9% female, 63.8% White, 86.9% non-Hispanic) most reported parental disapproval of teen alcohol (78.3%) and cannabis (80.5%) use. Participants who reported neutral or conflicting parental attitudes were more likely to report past-year alcohol (adjusted odds ratio: 3.35, 95% confidence interval: 2.81-4.00, p < .0001) or cannabis (adjusted odds ratio: 4.23, 95% confidence interval: 3.37-5.31, p < .0001) use. There was no difference in the odds of past-year substance use between those who reported parental "approval" of teen alcohol/cannabis use versus "disagree/have differing perspectives" or "neutral/don't care".
Discussion:
Neutral or conflicting parental attitudes toward teen substance use appear to have similar impact on teen behavior as frank approval.
Related Concept Videos
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....
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
Parenting Styles
Authoritarian Parenting
This style is strict and controlling, with little room for open dialogue. Authoritarian parents demand obedience and often enforce rules with minimal warmth. Children raised this way may lack social skills and initiative, usually comparing themselves to others unfavorably.
Authoritative...
Surveys
Cognitive Development During Adolescence
Relationship with Parents: Attachment

