Poster #225 - The Ripple Effect: Internalizing and Externalizing Outcomes in Korean Teens Facing Parental Substance Use Disorder

• In Event: ASC Poster Session I

Abstract

Research shows that parental substance use disorder is closely linked to long-term behavioral problems in offspring. While previous studies have examined broader issues like family violence and juvenile substance use, few have rigorously compared specific internalizing (e.g., anxiety, depression) and externalizing (e.g., aggression, rule-breaking) outcomes in adolescents with and without substance-abusing parents. This study addresses that gap by applying propensity score matching (PSM) to a nationally representative sample of 10,778 Korean adolescents. The analysis compares internalizing and externalizing behaviors between the two groups. Results indicate that adolescents with substance-abusing parents are significantly more likely to exhibit elevated internalizing problems. However, no significant differences were found in externalizing behaviors. These findings highlight the need for research that carefully controls for confounding variables when examining the impact of parental substance use and suggest targeted interventions to support affected youth.

Authors

• Youngki Woo, University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley

• Sunmin Hong, The University of Texas at Dallas