Risk factors of abuse among adolescents with alcoholic fathers

The present study consisting of 60 adolescents (11–16 years) with alcoholic and 60 with non-alcoholic fathers was carried out in six rural locations of Ludhiana district of Punjab state using random sampling technique. A personal information sheet and a self-structured interview schedule were used to collect data relating to the personal profile and risk factors of abuse viz. interaction pattern of the adolescents with their fathers, nature of fathers and issues of conflict of adolescents with them. Alcoholic fathers were found to be aggressive and exhibited neglecting attitude towards adolescents. There were significant differences in the interaction pattern of adolescents with their alcoholic and non-alcoholic fathers from not interacting at all (t-value 5.31) followed by interacting once in a fortnight (t-value 4.83). Highly significant differences were observed among alcoholic and non-alcoholic fathers on the issue of academic performance (t-value 3.24) and disrespecting behaviour of adolescents towards their elders (t-value - 2.09).