Parental efficacy and adolescent competence skills associated with adolescent substance use

The present study examined the relationships among parental beliefs about efficacy in the prevention of adolescent substance use, parenting practices, adolescent competence skills, and substance use. Data were obtained from a sample of 2015 parent-adolescent dyads recruited from 30 junior high schools in Taipei City and Taouyun County, Taiwan, 2010. Adolescent and parent self-administered questionnaires were collected. Multivariate analysis results showed that male adolescents from low SES families were more likely to use tobacco/alcohol, while adolescents with higher efficacy parents and with higher levels of competence skills were less likely to use tobacco/alcohol. In conclusion, parental efficacy plays a crucial role in enhancing parenting practices, promoting adolescents' competence skills, and decreasing adolescent substance use.