This study examined the influences of family climate on the adolescent processes of separation and individuation. Adolescents' management of alcohol consumption and driving practices, both rites of passage in America, would be reflective of the manner in which they were separating from their families. The results show that family variables are related to adolescent drinking and driving practices, even after accounting for peer influences. Family environment further served to differentiate between normative and problematic drinking and driving. High rate of drinking and risky driving were associated with a social environment that approved of deviance and with school failure among adolescents. Adolescents who engaged in normative drinking practices perceived their family to be moderately cohesive, more individuated, and tolerant of conflict. Abstainers were closely tied to their families which they perceived as less conflicted, less individuated, and either very cohesive or very disengaged. More successful adolescents also receive continued monitoring and guidance. Their families are less approving of exaggerated drinking and driving, and they have access to other sources of socially sanctioned adult status. (A)
Abstract