Persistence of Drug Trafficking Behaviors and Intentions Among Urban Behaviors and Intentions Among Urban African American Early Adolescents

• NCJ Number: 169999
• Journal: Journal of Early Adolescence Volume: 16 Issue: 4 Dated: (November 1996) Pages: 469-487
• Author(s): X Li; B Stanton; M M Black; S Feigelman
• Date Published: 1996
• Length: 19 pages
• Grant Number(s): U10-MH45689; U01-HS07392; RO1-HD27114
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Mental Health; US Dept of Health and Human Services; National Ctr on Minority Health and Health Disparities
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Longitudinal data obtained 6 months apart from 132 urban African-American adolescents, 9 through 15 years old, were analyzed to assess the stability and predictability of behaviors, intentions, and perceptions regarding drug trafficking.

Abstract

Drug trafficking behaviors, intentions, and perceptions were relatively stable over time. Although rates of drug trafficking were low (7 percent), approximately two-thirds of the youths involved at baseline were still involved 6 months later. Males were more likely to be involved than females. Previous involvement was the best predictor for subsequent behavior and intention. Baseline intention was not predictive of subsequent behavior but was predictive of subsequent intention. Perceptions, particularly those regarding extrinsic rewards and response costs of drug trafficking, were predictive of subsequent behavior and intention. The youths appeared to differentiate between drug selling and drug delivering. The finding that drug trafficking was predicted by past behaviors is consistent with literature based on other risky behavior. The implication of this finding is that primary prevention is an important strategy. Preventing initiation of either selling or delivering drugs among early adolescents may deter later involvement. 4 tables and 24 references