Alcohol use in delinquent adolescents from Northern Russia: the role of personality, parental rearing and family history of alcohol abuse

Considering the increase in substance use and problem behaviors among teenagers, the aim of the present study was: (1) to assess the level of alcohol use and alcohol-related problems in delinquent adolescents from the Arkhangelsk region, Russia; (2) to compare the levels of alcohol use, alcohol-related problems, personality traits and parental rearing factors in delinquents, subdivided according to the family history of alcohol abuse; and (3) to assess the predictive value of personality traits and rearing factors for the level of alcohol involvement and alcohol-related problems. The data were obtained from a group of 195 delinquents, who completed the Adolescent Alcohol Involvement Scale (AAIS) and the Rutgers Alcohol Problems Index (RAPI). The personality traits and upbringing factors were assessed by means of the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) and the EMBU questionnaire (a Swedish acronym for Own Memories of Parental Rearing). The delinquents with a positive family history of alcohol abuse reported significantly more rejection and less emotional warmth from their parents. Furthermore, the level of alcohol involvement was predicted by both personality traits and parental rearing factors. The findings are discussed in the light of the interactive nature of relationships between personality and parental rearing in the development of alcohol misuse.