Hannah Carver PhD Student School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Care, Edinburgh Napier University

Images: Alcohol Focus Scotland/The Guardian Early initiation associated with more problematic use (Mirza & Mirza, 2008) Risk and protective factors identified (Velleman, 2009) Parent-child connectedness and communication as protective (Kam & Lee, 2013; Luk et al., 2010; Yang et al., 2014) Lack of research in more vulnerable populations

Image: Life has been difficult; poor attachment, trauma, negative experiences (Jones et al., 2011) At higher risk of substance use than general population (von Borczyskowski et al., 2013) High levels of connectedness and strong bonds with parents or caregivers associated with lower alcohol and drug use (Traube et al., 2012) Good general communication with caregivers associated with range of positive outcomes (Rueter & Koerner, 2008; Samek & Rueter, 2012; Vuchinich et al., 2002)

Aim - to gain an understanding of substance use specific communication between looked after young people and formal carers Research questions: How do carers and young people communicate about alcohol, smoking and drugs? To what extent is communication based on theories of connectedness and professional role identity? Do digital media play a part in this communication?

Qualitative study In-depth interviews with: Formal carers (residential care staff, foster carers and social workers; n=18) Young people aged years living in foster or residential care (n=13) Interviews covered experiences of talking about substance use, what works/doesn’t work, use of digital media

Analysis is ongoing (using Braun & Clarke’s 2006 thematic analysis) Initial themes: Complex relationship between young people and their carers Communication about alcohol, tobacco and drug use varies depending on the substance and use of these substances Communication is closely linked to the relationships between young people and those in a caring role Digital media are regarded with caution and their use is viewed as unnecessary, and at times inappropriate, in conversations about substance use

Supervisors: Professor Lawrie Elliott (Edinburgh Napier University) Dr Janet Hanley (Edinburgh Napier University) Professor Catriona Kennedy (Robert Gordon University) Contact details: Hannah Carver

When: Monday 18 th April 2016 Where: Royal College of Physicians Edinburgh, 9 Queen Street, EH2 1JQ Who: Postgraduate students (Masters and PhD) and early career researchers in Scotland who are interested in alcohol-related research

Registration Welcome and Introductions Presentation Session Coffee Break Presentation Session Lunch Round Table Discussions Keynote Speakers 17.00Close

Abstracts are invited for oral presentations, exploring alcohol related issues from all disciplinary backgrounds and perspectives Oral presentations will be 10 minutes, with 5 minutes for questions We welcome all delegates to submit a poster, which will be displayed during the event Deadline for abstracts – 15 th February 2016 Complete form and send to Jennifer Fingland

If you would like more information about the event please contact: Hannah Carver Victoria Troy Jennifer Fingland Please submit abstracts by 15 th February 2016 to Jennifer If you would like to attend the event, please complete the online registration symposium-tickets