DOI

https://doi.org/10.25772/9KJ1-7239

Defense Date

2009

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Dace S. Svikis

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between history of parental substance abuse and substance use and psychiatric severity measures in a sample of treatment-seeking, pregnant women who meet DSM-IIIR criteria for lifetime opioid and cocaine abuse and/or dependence (N=260). The study examined whether a dose-response relationship was observed between number of parents affected by substance use problems (0, 1, and 2) and degree of women’s substance use and psychiatric severity. Results did not support a dose-response relationship between density of parental problems and substance use and psychiatric severity. However, some differences in severity were seen at different levels and types of parental density. Overall, the present study supports the need to further examine parental history of substance abuse as a potential risk factor for more severe substance use and psychiatric problems. Study findings have important implications for the screening and treatment of substance dependence during pregnancy.

Rights

© The Author

Is Part Of

VCU University Archives

Is Part Of

VCU Theses and Dissertations

Date of Submission

May 2009

Included in

Psychology Commons

Share

COinS