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Abstract
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Purpose - Within the framework of an ongoing cluster-randomized effectiveness trial of a parental prevention program, the aim of the present study is to investigate attitudes towards under-age drinking and use of program components, i.e. alcohol-specific parenting behaviors, in parents who did and did not take part in the programme.
Design/methodology/approach - Non-parametric tests were used to analyze cross-sectional data from 1,239 14-year-olds and their parents, collected at a 12-month follow-up.
Findings - Strict attitudes and alcohol-specific rule-setting were more frequently reported among parents in the experimental group than among parents in the control group (89.2 v. 81.7 percent, p < 0.001, respectively 92.8 v. 88.5 percent, p < 0.01). Parental reports were supported by that significantly fewer youths in the experimental group reported being served alcohol at home (36.6 v. 44.7 percent, p < 0.01).
Research limitations/implications - Most of the measures were not included at the baseline measurement. However, the validity of the results is increased by the finding that parent and youth reports converge.
Originality/value - The results substantiate a previous study finding on maintained attitudinal restrictivity and extend one's knowledge on parents' use of programme components (e.g. having and communicating alcohol-specific rules). The present study tentatively suggests that two brief presentations to parents might result in changes in alcohol-specific parenting. |