Abstract

MUSITU, Gonzalo; JIMENEZ, Teresa I.  and  MURGUI, Sergio. Family functioning, self-esteem and substance use in adolescents: a mediational model. Salud pública Méx [online]. 2007, vol.49, n.1, pp.3-10. ISSN 0036-3634.

OBJECTIVE: This research analyzes the direct and indirect relationships among family functioning, multidimensional self-esteem (family, academic, social, and physical self-esteem) and substance use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study participants were composed of two independent samples of Spanish adolescents who provided information during the 2003-2004 academic year (n₁= 414, Castilla & León; n₂= 625, Comunidad Valenciana). The statistical analyses were carried out using structural equation modelling and the procedure of mediation effects analysis (Holmbeck, 1997). RESULTS: Results showed a significant mediational effect of self-esteem on the relation between family functioning and adolescent substance use. Moreover, results showed, on the one hand, a protection effect of family and academic self-esteem in the face of substance use and, on the other hand, a risk effect of social and physical self-esteem. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to adopt a multidimensional perspective when analyzing the self-esteem of adolescents with substance use and to prevent the over-valuation of social and physical dimensions.

Keywords : adolescence; family functioning; self-esteem; substance use.