Perceptions of Family Belonging During Adolescence, and Implications for Depressive Symptoms and Alcohol Consumption During Young Adulthood

Chanell Washington , Pennsylvania State University

Using data from a sample of 9,419 individuals who were living with biological parents or a married stepfather at Wave I in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health), this study examines how perceptions of family belonging, mother-child relationship quality, and father-child relationship quality during adolescence are associated with depressive symptoms and alcohol use during young adulthood. Results indicate that perceptions of family belonging were negatively associated with alcohol use during young adulthood. Regarding depressive symptoms, family belonging and father-child relationship quality were negatively associated with alcohol consumption. These findings suggest that perceptions of family belonging during adolescence have a long-term association with psychological and behavioral outcomes during young adulthood.

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 Presented in Session 4. Marriage, Family, Households, & Unions