Toward a Descriptive Model of Parent–Offspring Communication about Alcohol and Other Drugs

Abstract

This study examined the narratives of 75 parent–offspring pairs who were asked to relate their shared drug prevention conversations. A descriptive model of parent–offspring drug talks (PODT) was developed to address the form, content, and function of parent–offspring discourse about drugs and drug use. Additionally, two temporal approaches to socializing conservative drug use norms were identified – targeted socialization and integrated socialization. Over two-thirds of the respondents reported integrating ongoing socialization efforts into the fabric of their everyday lives in contrast to more targeted one-shot ‘drug talks.’