Date of Award
Summer 5-25-2023
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
School
Psychology
Committee Chair
Dr. Nora E. Charles
Committee Chair School
Psychology
Committee Member 2
Dr. Sara Jordan
Committee Member 2 School
Psychology
Committee Member 3
Dr. Randolph Arnau
Committee Member 3 School
Psychology
Committee Member 4
Dr. Eric Dahlen
Committee Member 4 School
Psychology
Abstract
Problematic substance use in young adulthood can lead to a variety of societal and individual consequences; therefore, it is important to understand risk factors contributing to its development. Although several individual and environmental factors can contribute to the development of substance misuse, the relationship between family dysfunction and emotional functioning in the prediction of substance use has been relatively understudied within this developmental period. The current study aimed to further understand how childhood family dysfunction, emotion regulation, and emotion reactivity aid in the development of young adult substance misuse. 405 young adults were surveyed about their childhood family experiences, current emotional functioning, and substance use history. Results were analyzed using mediated structural equation modeling (SEM) to assess the relationship amongst these factors. It was found that current emotional functioning mediated the relationship between childhood family dysfunction and substance use history. Implications of the current study include theoretical and practical applications.
Recommended Citation
Bullerjahn, Margaret, "The Influence of Childhood Familial Dysfunction on Emotional Well-Being and Substance Use Behaviors in Young Adults" (2023). Dissertations. 2145.
https://aquila.usm.edu/dissertations/2145