The Intergenerational Transference of Addiction

Abstract

In addiction literature, various genetic and environmental theories have been proposed for the transfer of problems such as alcoholism, substance use, and gambling. However, these theories have resulted in a number of unanswered questions regarding the extent that such factors influence the transmission of addictive behavior. It is therefore suggested that specific cognitions related to addictions are fundamental in determining future problematic behavior. Expectancy theory is one cognitive construct that has shown to be predictive of the quantity and frequency of addiction whereby positive expectations of the ensuing effects initiate the behavior, and successive confirmation of these expectancies maintain the behavior. However, an individual's self-efficacy, or the perceived ability to refuse a substance or participate in behavior in a specific situation, has also been shown to greatly contribute to the individual's risk of persistent problem behavior. Acting together, these two constructs form the foundations of the transfer of addictive behavior between generations, and has repeatedly been demonstrated in alcohol, smoking, and gambling research. The independent roles of expectancies and refusal self-efficacy have great implications for the prevention and treatment of problematic and addictive behaviors rather than current overarching remedies