NCJ Number
116879
Journal
Alcohol, Drugs and Driving Volume: 5 Issue: 1 Dated: (January-March 1989) Pages: 21-24
Date Published
1989
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Factors that may influence adolescents to engage in risky behaviors, such as drug use and reckless driving, are their age-related characteristics, media portrayals, and the influences of family and peers.
Abstract
Youth deny reality, are grandiose, and are keen observers. This makes them susceptible to the influence of high-risk behavioral modeling. They are not likely to consider the real consequences of such behavior if they perceive from the environmental messages influencing them that such behaviors are exciting and rewarding. Literature about the etiology of adolescent substance abuse suggests that the social environment may provide the necessary conditions for drug use through models, social supports, and access to drugs (Perry and Murray, 1985). These models include family members, media portrayals, and peers. Applying Jessor's theory that drug use is one aspect of a set of risk-taking behaviors in adolescence, it can be generalized to risky driving as well. Parental norms have a substantial influence on adolescent drinking behavior (Blum, 1987). Intervention programs that teach safe driving within the family by observation early in the child's life may be particularly effective. 2 figures, 13 references.