An Understanding of Selected Familial Dynamics As They Relate to the Prevention of Substance Use Among Youth from St
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Andrews University Digital Commons @ Andrews University Dissertations Graduate Research 1999 An Understanding of Selected Familial Dynamics as they Relate to the Prevention of Substance Use Among Youth from St. Martin Vincent A. David Andrews University Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/dissertations Part of the Family, Life Course, and Society Commons, and the Substance Abuse and Addiction Commons Recommended Citation David, Vincent A., "An Understanding of Selected Familial Dynamics as they Relate to the Prevention of Substance Use Among Youth from St. Martin" (1999). Dissertations. 318. https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/dissertations/318 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate Research at Digital Commons @ Andrews University. It has been accepted for inclusion in Dissertations by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ Andrews University. For more information, please contact [email protected]. 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Further reproduction prohibited without permission. Andrews University School of Education AN UNDERSTANDING OF SELECTED FAMILIAL DYNAMICS AS THEY RELATE TO THE PREVENTION OF SUBSTANCE USE AMONG YOUTH FROM ST. MARTIN A Dissertation Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor o f Philosophy by Vincent A. David I April 1999 Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. UMI Number: 9929066 Copyright 1999 by David, Vincent Augustine, I All rights reserved. UMI Microform 9929066 Copyright 1999, by UMI Company. All rights reserved. This microform edition is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States Code. UMI 300 North Zeeb Road Ann Arbor, MI 48103 Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. ©Copyright by Vincent A. David 1 1999 All Rights Reserved Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. AN UNDERSTANDING OF SELECTED FAMILIAL DYNAMICS AS THEY RELATE TO THE PREVENTION OF SUBSTANCE USE AMONG YOUTH FROM ST. MARTIN A dissertation presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Doctor of Philosophy by Vincent A. David I APPROVAL BY THE COMMITTEE: Chair: William H. Green Directpnof GraduareTfrograms JeromeT). Thayer Q (?>. Lj —. Mdml >er: John©. Y ou^berg Dean</Schopf of Education Karen Gpdnam ip Member: CiSrtis J. VanderWaal Date approvedprc Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. ABSTRACT AN UNDERSTANDING OF SELECTED FAMILIAL DYNAMICS AS THEY RELATE TO THE PREVENTION OF SUBSTANCE USE AMONG YOUTH FROM ST. MARTIN by Vincent A. David I Chair: William H. Green, Ph.D. Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. ABSTRACT OF GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH Dissertation Andrews University School of Education Title: AN UNDERSTANDING OF SELECTED FAMILIAL DYNAMICS AS THEY RELATE TO THE PREVENTION OF SUBSTANCE USE AMONG YOUTH FROM ST. MARTIN Name of researcher: Vincent Augustine David I Name and degree of faculty chair: William H. Green, PhD. Date completed: April 1999 Problem Various studies examined the relationship between youth, drug use, and the role that families play in influencing such use. Thus, it is evident that youth use drugs, and the reasons for their drug use vary widely. However, there have not been widespread research done on the youth who do not use drugs, particularly from a family perspective. Also, no research study has been known to be conducted on St. Martin of such nature. Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. Purpose This study sought to gain an understanding on how selected familial dynamics functioned within three families in deterring their youth from becoming involved in drugs. Methodology This qualitative study used three mothers and youths within three different family structures selected by purposive sampling to explain why the youth avoided drugs. These structures were single-parent, stepparent, and two biological parent families. Data were collected through tape-recorded interviews, field notes, and reflective journal. For clarification purposes, data information from the informants was additionally provided via fax and telephone calls. A cross-case analysis was conducted and presented in text and tables. Findings and Conclusions The findings provided an understanding of the youths’ drug avoidance. The themes that emanated from the data were grouped within three selected familial dynamics chosen from previous research literature. The familial dynamics are relational, environmental, and religious. The study showed that the youths’ relationships with their immediate and extended families either positively or negatively affected their decision to avoid drugs. Additionally, the study revealed that all three youths were faced with positive and negative influences from friends, neighbors, and schools; yet, they maintained a drug-free lifestyle. A number of themes grouped within the religious dynamics were also instrumental in helping steer the youths from drug use. These themes were both Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. internal and external as they related to the families’ religiosity and their church affiliation. The study found that these youth had three catalysts against drug allurements, the relationship they experienced with their families, how they interacted with their environment, and their commitment and involvement in religious activities. The themes grouped within the relational, environmental, and religious dynamics aided in keeping these youths drug-free. Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. DEDICATION To my wife, Celeste, my “Mama”, Violet A. David, my parents-in-law, Lynch and Genevieve Rogers, and my loving children, Vincent II and Chaunielle who are always there for me. ui Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF TABLES ....................................................................................................................x ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.......................................................................................................xi Chapter I. INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................... 1 Drug Prevalence.......................................................................................................... 1 Effects of Drug Use on Y outh...................................................................................3 Family Structure and Drug Use ............................................................................. 5 Impact of Drugs on Family..........................................................................................7 Historical Background of St. M artin...................................................................... 8 Statement of Problem.............................................................................................. 12 Definitions................................................................................................................. 13 Statement of Purpose.............................................................................................. 15 Organization of the Study ...................................................................................