NCJ Number
227137
Journal
Journal of Child and Adolescent Substance Abuse Volume: 18 Issue: 2 Dated: 2009 Pages: 207-220
Date Published
2009
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This study examined the causal paths that predict antisocial behavior and substance use in adolescents in Spain.
Abstract
Results indicate that in addition to the common influence of certain factors, some factors exert specific relationships to concrete risk behaviors. Personality factors (aggression and impulsivity) and factors related to school adaptation had a significant relationship to antisocial behavior and the consumption of legal drugs (alcohol and tobacco), and cannabis; the major predictor of illegal drug use was negative peer relations (violence and non-conformity). Specific influence of some risk and protection factors, personal resources, and peer group helped to predict antisocial behavior. However, family environment had a significant relationship to the consumption of legal drugs and cannabis. Therefore, the conjoint consideration of the common and specific factors would have the highest predictive power for antisocial behavior and substance consumption. These specific influences will ultimately determine whether an adolescent will become an abusive consumer, and antisocial person, or both. Data were collected from 1,629 participants between 14- and 17-year-olds from public and private secondary schools in an upper-middle class city (Majadahonda) in the community of Madrid, Spain. Figure, table, and references