TY - JOUR
T1 - “I missed open arms”
T2 - The need for connectedness among Black youth affected by parental drug use
AU - Offiong, Asari
AU - Powell, Terrinieka W.
AU - Lewis, Quiana
AU - Smith, Bianca
AU - Prioleau, Morgan
N1 - Funding Information:
This study was supported by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health’s Center for Adolescent Health and Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, which provided expertise in conducting a community-based research project with integrity and sensitivity. We thank all the participants who shared their personal experiences and perspectives with our research team. The insights from participants added richness to the existing literature, and an opportunity to highlight a perspective that is rarely presented in research. We also thank the Better Together research team during data collection, analysis and writing assistance to proofread this article.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2020 Elsevier Ltd
PY - 2020/7
Y1 - 2020/7
N2 - Parental drug use has significant impacts on the physical, behavioral and social well-being of adolescents, particularly those from disenfranchised communities. We conducted a qualitative study to understand connectedness among Black youth affected by parental drug use in Baltimore, Maryland USA. In-depth interviews (N = 30) were conducted with three groups: parents with a history of drug use, youth (18-24yo) who had a biological parent with a history of drug use and youth providers with experience working with families affected by drug use. Data were analyzed inductively using a content analytic approach. Three salient themes emerged: (1) missing parental connections, (2) the desire for consistent, trusted adults and (3) the consequences of missed connections. All participants emphasized the limited emotional support and guidance provided to youth affected by parental drug use. However, extended family members (e.g., grandmothers, aunts, and older siblings) and community mentors stepped in to fulfill unmet needs, when possible. The consequences of missed connections were increased involvement in risky behaviors, fewer basic necessities and a missed childhood. Findings from the study deepen the understanding of how to support the well-being of youth impacted by parental drug use and highlight the value of including the voices of vulnerable families in research.
AB - Parental drug use has significant impacts on the physical, behavioral and social well-being of adolescents, particularly those from disenfranchised communities. We conducted a qualitative study to understand connectedness among Black youth affected by parental drug use in Baltimore, Maryland USA. In-depth interviews (N = 30) were conducted with three groups: parents with a history of drug use, youth (18-24yo) who had a biological parent with a history of drug use and youth providers with experience working with families affected by drug use. Data were analyzed inductively using a content analytic approach. Three salient themes emerged: (1) missing parental connections, (2) the desire for consistent, trusted adults and (3) the consequences of missed connections. All participants emphasized the limited emotional support and guidance provided to youth affected by parental drug use. However, extended family members (e.g., grandmothers, aunts, and older siblings) and community mentors stepped in to fulfill unmet needs, when possible. The consequences of missed connections were increased involvement in risky behaviors, fewer basic necessities and a missed childhood. Findings from the study deepen the understanding of how to support the well-being of youth impacted by parental drug use and highlight the value of including the voices of vulnerable families in research.
KW - Adolescent
KW - Adverse childhood experiences
KW - Social support
KW - Substance-related disorders
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U2 - 10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105072
DO - 10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105072
M3 - Article
C2 - 32606485
AN - SCOPUS:85084533018
SN - 0190-7409
VL - 114
JO - Children and Youth Services Review
JF - Children and Youth Services Review
M1 - 105072
ER -