Reviewing the Connection Between Paradigms and Theories to Understand Adolescent Drug Use

• NCJ Number: 229499
• Journal: Journal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse Volume: 19 Issue: 1 Dated: January-March 2010 Pages: 16-32
• Author(s): Trenette T. Clark
• Date Published: January 2010
• Length: 17 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Theoretical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article attempts to demonstrate the influence of a multi-paradigmatic framework that can be used to organize theories that address adolescent drug use; implications for future research, prevention intervention, and policy are presented.

Abstract

Approaches to studying social phenomenon are fundamentally based upon personal beliefs about the nature of knowledge, reality, and order. Scholars, researchers, and practitioners can benefit from utilizing a coherent method that organizes the wide array of perspectives that exist and the theories, practice, prevention interventions, and policies that emerge. Although opinions regarding what constitutes real science vary, this article intends to demonstrate the utility of a multi-paradigmatic framework that may be used to organize theories that address adolescent drug use. Application of practice and implications for research, prevention interventions, and policy are presented. Table, figure, and references (Published Abstract)