Non-Intact Families and Adolescents’ Exposure to Risk Behaviors: An Analysis of Comparative Longitudinal Survey Data

Raffaele Guetto, University of Florence
Maria Francesca Morabito , University of Florence
Elisa Benedetti, National Research Council
Sabrina Molinaro, National Research Council
Daniele Vignoli, University of Florence

Although substantial evidence indicates that children in non-intact families tend to experience lower subjective well-being and more behavioral problems compared to those living with both parents, numerous questions remain unanswered. The institutionalization hypothesis posits that as new family structures become more prevalent and socially accepted, the penalization of children living in non-intact families should diminish. However, empirical studies often reveal increased disparities in societies and periods with higher divorce rates. Our study addresses these issues by examining the relationship between family structure and adolescents' susceptibility to using cigarettes, alcohol, and cannabis, using a unique dataset spanning 20 years across 30 European countries. The breadth of our comparative data enables us to draw robust conclusions regarding the impact of the proliferation of family instability on the consequences of non-intact families. Our findings indicate that adolescents from non-intact families are more likely to engage in the use of cigarettes, alcohol, and cannabis. Moreover, the disadvantages faced by children in non-intact families appear to persist despite the ongoing process of marriage de-institutionalization.

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 Presented in Session 40. Flash Session Family Effects on Children