FAMILY CHARACTERISTICS AS MEDIATORS OF THE INFLUENCE OF PROBLEM DRINKING AND MULTIPLE RISK STATUS ON CHILD MENTAL-HEALTH

Structural equation modeling was used to test a theoretical model in w hich family cohesion and family reframing coping were hypothesized as mediators between family drinking problems, multiple risk factors, neg ative life events, and child mental health (conduct disorder depressio n, anxiety) in two-parent families. Family cohesion mediated the relat ionships of family drinking problems and negative life events to child conduct disorder and depression. Negative life events mediated the re lationships of family drinking problems and family multiple risk to ch ild conduct disorder Family reframing coping did not function as a med iator nor was it related to child mental health when other factors wer e considered simultaneously Results indicate that increasing family co hesion and reducing sources of stress within the family (negative life events) represent promising areas for interventions for children with problem-drinking parents.