Exploring the parent-child relationship in youth abusing alcohol

Abstract

Alcohol abuse in youth is an ever growing problem in South Africa. The phenomenon leads to a variety of other problems, including the relationships that these youth have with their parents. The aim of the study was to explore the parent-child relationship in youth abusing alcohol. The first objective of the study was to explore and describe alcohol abuse in youth and the parent-child relationship from the youth’s perspective. The second objective was to explore and describe alcohol abuse in youth and the parent-child relationship from the parents’ perspective. A qualitative research approach has been used. Non probability purposive sampling has also been employed. The sample comprised of youth between the ages of 18-25 from a township area in the Western Cape, as well as a number of parents. The data collection process took place in the form of one-to-one interviews. The data analysis was done by means of coding and identification of themes. The findings revealed that factors such as family boundaries, relationships, economic factors, and problem and risk behaviour negatively influenced parent-child relationships in youth abusing alcohol. The recommendations had a strong emphasis on social work intervention that focus on strengthening family relationships. Youth were also advised to join programmes as a direct intervention for their alcohol abuse.