A Qualitative inquiry into the Coping strategies of Goan adolescents living with parents having alcohol dependence

Background: Research on the effects of alcoholism on the family confirms the negative impact of parental alcohol abuse on the offspring. Yet, some develop as confident and emotionally strong individuals despite adversities. This study focuses on the shift from detrimental outcomes to positive coping abilities of adolescents. Aim: To explore the coping strategies of Goan adolescents living with an alcohol dependent parent as a reflection of their perceptions. Method: Adolescents studying in undergraduate colleges living with an alcohol dependent parent (N = 15, Male = 4, Female = 11, ages17-19 years) participated in the study. Results: Four major themes were identified, following the thematic analyses of the data: seeking support, engaging in problem-solving behavior, practicing self-improvement techniques, and adapting to changes in perception. Conclusion: Adolescents displayed different coping strategies resulting from their experience with the parent having alcohol dependence, which are a product of their characteristics, the family environment, the available social and emotional support, and the interaction between these factors. Goan adolescents living with parents having alcohol dependence show resilience in the face of adversity. There is a need to identify and strengthen existing individual and community support networks. The knowledge of the coping strategies employed by adolescents in a specific context will be useful to plan suitable measures to help others in similar situations having difficulty with successful coping.