Honors Theses and Capstones
Date Completed
Spring 2026
Abstract
The present study examined whether the age at which individuals first become aware of substance misuse is associated with self-reliance, substance type, adversity, victimization, and relationship to the person misusing substances. Secondary analyses were conducted using a de-identified dataset (N=1,571; ages 18-60) collected at the University of New Hampshire. Analyses focused on participants who reported exposure to substance misuse (n = 848, 54.0%). Participants were categorized based on whether they first became aware of substance misuse before age 10 (n = 317, 37.4%) or at age 10 or later (n = 531, 62.6%). Early awareness was significantly associated with greater cumulative adversity (d = .56), victimization (d = .58), caregiver substance misuse, and alcohol exposure. Participants aware before age 10 reported slightly higher self-reliance (d = .18). In regression models, early awareness was significantly associated with self-reliance when controlling for demographic alone (B=.122, p=.002) but this association was no longer significant once relationship type, substance type, adversity and victimization were included. Cumulative adversity showed the most consistent association with self-reliance across models. Findings suggest that early awareness of substance misuse may reflect broader environmental instability rather than a direct influence on adult coping. Implications for developmental theory, trauma-informed screening and early intervention are discussed.
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
First Advisor
Kimberly Mitchell
College or School
COLA
Department or Program
Honors Psychology
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Recommended Citation
Dooney, Kaleigh S. and Mitchell, Kimberly J., "Age of Awareness of Caregiver, Sibling, or Peer Substance Misuse in Relation to Self-Reliance" (2026). Honors Theses and Capstones. 963.
https://scholars.unh.edu/honors/963
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Child Psychology Commons, Clinical Psychology Commons, Counseling Commons, Counseling Psychology Commons, Developmental Psychology Commons, Development Studies Commons, Personality and Social Contexts Commons, Social Psychology Commons, Theory and Philosophy Commons