Bi-directional relations between anti-smoking parenting practices and adolescent smoking in a Dutch sample.
OBJECTIVE
Parenting is generally regarded a determinant of adolescent behavior, whereas the reverse is seldom considered. Reported effects of anti-smoking parenting practices on adolescent smoking are inconsistent. Cross-sectional results may have been misinterpreted and child effects have been overlooked. The main goal of this study was to explain previous inconsistent effects of anti-smoking parenting practices, by examining bi-directional relations between parenting and adolescent smoking.


METHODS
Bi-directional relations were studied using a cross-lagged model where anti-smoking house rules, communication about smoking, and adolescent smoking were assessed at three subsequent years.


RESULTS
The most prominent finding was that adolescent smoking behavior was a stronger predictor of parenting than vice versa. Anti-smoking house rules decreased as a result of adolescent smoking behavior, while communication increased. The reduction in house rules was more pronounced if parents smoked, while the increase in communication was greater for non-smoking parents. Results were independent of adolescent sex.


CONCLUSIONS
Further research is needed to establish which aspects of parenting can be effective in deterring adolescent smoking. This study emphasizes the need for caution in interpreting cross-sectional research findings relating parenting to adolescent smoking.
Huver
Rose M E
RM
Department of Health Promotion and Health Education, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands. r.huver@rechten.vu.nl
Engels
Rutger C M E
RC
Vermulst
Ad A
AA
de Vries
Hein
H
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D002648:Child; D003142:Communication; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016013:Likelihood Functions; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009426:Netherlands / Q000453:epidemiology; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D016487:Parenting; D012737:Sex Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology; D000074606:Smoking Prevention; D012951:Socialization