November 27, 2018

What role do parents play in the alcohol consumption habits of Singaporean adolescents?

23 November 2013 marked the inaugural National Addictions Awareness Day, reflecting the Singapore government’s active efforts to control and minimize harmful addictions amongst its citizens. A 2011 study, Quality of Parent–Child Relationship, Family Conflict, Peer Pressure, and Drinking Behaviors of Adolescents in an Asian Context: The Case of Singapore (Social Indicators Research), by A/P Hyekyung Choo (Department of Social Work) and Dr. Daniel Shek found that when it comes to preventing alcohol addiction among adolescents, parents can play an influential role.

Based on a survey of secondary school students in Singapore, Choo and Shek explored the links between alcohol consumption and the relationship between mother and child, as well as father and child. They also studied the impact of familial conflicts and peer pressure on a young person’s choice to drink. The study reveals that a positive relationship between mother and child results in fewer instances of indulging in alcohol. In contrast, a positive relationship between father and child increases the child’s susceptibility to peer pressure to drink because the child will expect leniency from the father in dealing with their drinking. Worryingly, children from families with conflicts tend to abuse alcohol more frequently.

Overall, the quality of familial life has a significant impact on Singaporean adolescents and their choices when it comes to alcohol consumption. A healthy parent-child relationship is key to preventing alcohol dependency.

Learn more here.