For every individual there is some form of original family system. This system may be one of caring, loving and nurturing adults, and/or composed of chaos, abuse and neglect/abandonment or components exhibiting elements for both systems. In either family culture, a person may develop characteristics that result in pro-social or anti-social behaviors.  How many times have we as a society struggled with the questions of “how does a child raised within a chaotic family environment develop into a productive and compassionate adult” or “she/he had such wonderful parents how could they have gone wrong”?

Many factors may contribute to the environment and perspective of an individual’s growth and development. As social creatures, the impact and role by society is multi-faceted and “paints many pictures” for us to view and create within our lives.  What allows for so many pictures and views within a family? What prompts adult children to express such differing points of view even though each lived in the same household? It would appear that each child stood at a different window in the house. And, as they turned to walk away this was “their internal window’s view” on life. Consequently, the family dynamics and the person’s view of the world may cloud their respective beliefs and attitudes for a healthy lifestyle.

The potential impact of specific risk and protective factors changes with age. For example, risk factors within the family have greater impact on a younger child, while association with drug-abusing peers may be a more significant risk factor for an adolescent.

The table below describes how risk and protective factors affect people in five domains, or settings, where interventions can take place. (National Institute on Drug Abuse)

Protective factors in the family include:

• consistent and contingent discipline that enforces defined family rules
• a strong parent-child bond
• high levels of supervision and monitoring
• parental warmth, affection, and emotional support
• enforcing family policies on substance abuse
• drug education and information for parents or caregivers

Positive outcomes:

• 63 percent fewer habitual criminals (five or more lifetime arrests)
• 26 percent fewer adult welfare or other social service recipients
• 68 percent fewer arrests for drug dealing
• Nearly twice the rate of home ownership
• Nearly three times as many earning $2,000 or more per month (1992 dollars)
  

Contributor to this Newsletter: Mr. Jim Willis, MS, LPC, CCS, CCJP