Structure of drug use behaviors and consequences among young adults: Multitrait-multimethod assessment of frequency, quantity, work site, and problem substance use.

We examined relations among self-report measures and outcomes of drug use among 739 young adults. Purposes of the study included (a) partitioning measures of drug use frequency, quantity, disruptive substance use (in the workplace and school), and problem use in a multitrait–multimethod framework using latent-variable confirmatory analysis; (b) testing whether drug use frequency and quantity were interchangeable, equally powerful predictors of problem drug behaviors; (c) evaluating whether higher order constructs explained associations among the latent variables, once specific drug use was controlled; and (d) examining the relations between negative drug consequences (arrests and accidents) and the latent variables. Results supported the construct validity of the hypothesized latent factors. Although highly correlated, Drug Use Frequency and Drug Use Quantity were not interchangeable: Quantity was a more powerful predictor of disruptive and problem drug use. A second-order factor of General Drug Use and Abuse accounted for the first-order constructs. Differences between adolescent and young-adult drug use and policy implications are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Severity assessment of acute pulmonary embolism with spiral CT: evaluation of two modified angiographic scores and comparison with clinical data

Adolescent patients qualifying for a DSM-II-R diagnosis of alcohol use disorder were studied to determine whether a multidimensional schema could classify subjects into subgroups. The Drug Use Screening Inventory was administered to 151 subjects. To test the concurrent validity of the subtypes, subjects also received a structured diagnostic psychiatric evaluation along with measures of personality, academic achievement, and drinking behavior. Two clusters were identified for each gender. Differences between clusters were reflected primarily on indicators of severity of disorder. Young women were more inclined toward affective disturbances, whereas conduct disorder was the most frequent disorder in young men. This study underscores the heterogeneity of the adolescent population qualifying for a diagnosis of alcohol use disorder. The differential pattern of alcohol involvement and comorbid psychopathology within clusters and between genders demonstrates the need for interventions tailored to specific clinical presentation.     

Family Involvement Questionnaire: A multivariate assessment of family participation in early childhood education.

The study developed and evaluated the Family Involvement Questionnaire (FIQ), a multidimensional scale of family involvement in early childhood education. The FIQ was guided by theory and coconstructed with parents and teachers in preschool, kindergarten, and 1st-grade programs in a large urban school district. Demographic and FIQ data were collected from 641 parents. Factor analyses revealed 3 involvement constructs: school-based involvement, home-school conferencing, and home-based involvement. Multivariate analyses of demographic and program differences in these constructs revealed that parents with education beyond high school were engaged in higher levels of school-based involvement and home-school conferencing than parents with less than high school education. There were higher levels of home-school conferencing and home-based involvement in 2-parent families than in single-parent households. Head Start evidenced the highest levels of school-based involvement activity. However, higher school-based contact was not associated with higher levels of home-school conferencing or home-based involvement. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Where Is the Syndrome? Examining Co-Occurrence Among Multiple Problem Behaviors in Adolescence.

The authors examined co-occurrence among a wide range of adolescent problem behaviors: alcohol, smoking, marijuana, hard drugs, sexual activity, major and minor delinquency, direct and indirect aggression, and gambling. Using a large self-report survey of high school students, confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the problem syndrome model proposed by problem behavior theory. A 3-factor model provided better overall fit than did a single problem syndrome factor model. Contingency table analyses were used to examine the co-occurrence of problem behaviors at different levels of involvement within individuals, as well as relative risk ratios. Analyses offered modest support for a limited problem syndrome encompassing the report of high-risk involvement with alcohol, minor delinquency, direct aggression, and, to a lesser extent, marijuana. For each problem behavior, the majority of adolescents did not report high-risk involvement, and only a minority reported any involvement with multiple behaviors. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

"Low prosocial attachment, involvement with drug-using peers, and adolescent drug use: A longitudinal examination of mediational mechanisms": Correction to Henry (2008).

Reports an error in "Low prosocial attachment, involvement with drug-using peers, and adolescent drug use: A longitudinal examination of mediational mechanisms" by Kimberly L. Henry (Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 2008[Jun], Vol 22[2], 302-308). In Table 2, several numbers were missing negative signs due to a typesetting error. The correct version of Table 2 is presented in the erratum. (The following abstract of the original article appeared in record 2008-06772-016.) The process of disengagement from prosocial entities (e.g., family and school) and either simultaneous or subsequent engagement with antisocial entities (e.g., friends who use drugs) is a critical contributor to adolescent drug use and delinquency. This study provides a series of formal mediation tests to demonstrate the relationship between poor family attachment, poor school attachment, involvement with friends who use drugs, and a student's own use of drugs. Results indicate that poor family attachment exerts its effect on drug use through poor school attachment and involvement with friends who use drugs. In addition, poor school attachment exerts its effect on drug use through involvement with friends who use drugs. The results of this study corroborate theories that suggest disengagement from prosocial entities is associated with involvement with antisocial entities and eventual involvement in drug use. Implications for prevention strategies are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Low prosocial attachment, involvement with drug-using peers, and adolescent drug use: A longitudinal examination of mediational mechanisms.

[Correction Notice: An erratum for this article was reported in Vol 24(1) of Psychology of Addictive Behaviors (see record 2010-05354-003). In Table 2, several numbers were missing negative signs due to a typesetting error. The correct version of Table 2 is presented in the erratum.] The process of disengagement from prosocial entities (e.g., family and school) and either simultaneous or subsequent engagement with antisocial entities (e.g., friends who use drugs) is a critical contributor to adolescent drug use and delinquency. This study provides a series of formal mediation tests to demonstrate the relationship between poor family attachment, poor school attachment, involvement with friends who use drugs, and a student's own use of drugs. Results indicate that poor family attachment exerts its effect on drug use through poor school attachment and involvement with friends who use drugs. In addition, poor school attachment exerts its effect on drug use through involvement with friends who use drugs. The results of this study corroborate theories that suggest disengagement from prosocial entities is associated with involvement with antisocial entities and eventual involvement in drug use. Implications for prevention strategies are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

General deviance syndrome: Expanded hierarchical evaluations at four ages from early adolescence to adulthood.

Problem behavior theory predicts that norm-violating attitudes and activities reflect a syndrome. Hierarchical latent-factor models examined the integrity of this syndrome at 4 developmental stages from early adolescence to adulthood. Latent constructs of Drug Use, Academic Orientation, Social Conformity, Criminal Behavior, and Sexual Involvement were assessed up to 4 times at 4-yr intervals in a community sample. Second-order constructs of General Deviance confirmed integrity of the syndrome at these life stages, although subtle changes in certain components of the construct emerged. Criminal Behavior was more determined by General Deviance in adulthood than in young adulthood, whereas Sexual Involvement became less determined by the common factor between these times. Drug Use and low Social Confirmity were consistently strong indicators of General Deviance. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Parent involvement in health concerns for youth: the issue of adolescent immunization

Parents play a primary role in the health and health education of their children. In particular, parent involvement in planning and promoting adolescent immunization campaigns is critical to successful efforts. Parents serve as their children's primary educators on health issues, but where can they get accurate health information? To help guide local PTA units in their programmatic efforts, the National PTA maintains positions and policy statements on multiple health issues: alcohol and other drug abuse; emergency preparedness; environmental issues; family life education; firearm safety; HIV prevention; health screenings; immunization (measles, mumps, rubella, and hepatitis B); lead poisoning; nutrition; protective helmet use; sexual assault prevention; TB testing; tobacco use and access; violence prevention; and youth suicide prevention. Likewise, the school-home partnership is key to promoting the health of adolescents. Comprehensive school health programs and integrated services are necessary to support parent and community efforts to promote adolescent health issues, including immunization programs. Techniques for effective parent involvement, based on the National Standards for Family/Parent Involvement issued by the National PTA January 1997, are discussed.     

Personality, motivation, and adolescent drug use patterns.

Examined interrelationships between patterns of drug abuse and personality and motivation for 285 college freshmen and 278 high school seniors. Ss completed the 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire, the Motivation Analysis Test, and a questionnaire regarding drug use. Drug users were significantly different from controls on 17 scales of the inventories. Significant sex differences were found with respect to drug behavior. Females used amphetamines more frequently than males and also showed greater multiple drug use. Child-rearing practices involving the neglect of discipline and absence of training in societal or ethical standards are suggested as significant in adolescent drug abuse. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Some evidence for multidimensional biculturalism: Confirmatory factor analysis and measurement invariance analysis on the Bicultural Involvement Questionnaire–Short Version.

In the present study, the authors empirically investigated a multidimensional conceptualization of acculturation using the Bicultural Involvement Questionnaire–Short Version (BIQ-S; J. Szapocznik, W. M. Kurtines, & T. Fernandez, 1980). Baseline data from four prevention trials, representing a total of 893 adolescent and 880 guardian participants of Hispanic descent, were used to examine the factor structure of BIQ-S scores. Results of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported a four-factor solution. The factors were labeled as follows: (a) Comfort With Use of Spanish Language, (b) Comfort With Use of English Language, (c) Enjoyment of Hispanic Cultural Activities, and (d) Enjoyment of American Cultural Activities. The findings support an expansion of the theoretical conceptualization of biculturalism and suggest that within both the heritage and the receiving cultures, comfort with language and enjoyment of other cultural components represent different factors. Measurement invariance analyses revealed stability of the factor structure, as well as some measurement differences, between adolescents and their guardians. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Adolescent reasons for quitting smoking: Initial psychometric evaluation.

Most adolescent smokers report intentions to quit, and the majority attempt cessation. However, little is known regarding the relationship between adolescent motives for cessation and smoking cessation efforts. To this end, the present study describes an initial evaluation of the psychometric characteristics of the Adolescent Reasons for Quitting scale (ARFQ), a measure of adolescent motives for smoking cessation. Participants were 109 current smoking high school students assessed at baseline and 6-month follow-up. The ARFQ item content and format was developed in a separate qualitative study with 36 high school students who had previously attempted to quit smoking. Exploratory factor analyses of ARFQ items yielded 3 subscales: Short-Term Consequences, Social Disapproval, and Long-Term Concerns. Validation analyses were conducted in relation to concurrent intentions to stop smoking and prospective smoking cessation attempts, providing evidence of concurrent, predictive, and discriminant validity. In particular, the Social Disapproval and Long-Term Concerns subscales significantly predicted subsequent cessation attempts. As such, the ARFQ may prove valuable for informing interventions to encourage adolescent smoking cessation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Social Anxiety, Negative Affectivity, and Substance Use Among High School Students.

The literature regarding the relationship between adolescent social anxiety and substance use is sparse, and available studies have produced discrepant results. Similarly, negative affectivity is a mood-dispositional dimension that is infrequently considered in studies of substance use. The authors used dispositional structural equation modeling to examine the concurrent relationships of social anxiety and negative affectivity with adolescent substance involvement among 724 students in 1 southern California high school. The final model indicated that increased substance use was associated with having lower grade-point average, being male, being White, having higher levels of negative affectivity, and having lower levels of social anxiety. The findings confirm that negative affectivity is positively related to adolescent substance use, whereas social anxiety appears to be protective against substance involvement. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Attachment theory as a framework for understanding sequelae of severe adolescent psychopathology: an 11-year follow-up study

This study examined long-term sequelae of severe adolescent psychopathology from the perspective of adult attachment theory. The study compared 66 upper-middle-class adolescents who were psychiatrically hospitalized at age 14 for problems other than thought or organic disorders, to 76 sociodemographically similar high school students. When reinterviewed at age 25, virtually all of the previously hospitalized adolescents displayed insecure attachment organizations, in contrast to a more typical mixture of security and insecurity in the former high school sample. Lack of resolution of previous trauma with attachment figures accounted for much of this insecurity. Insecurity in adult attachment organization at age 25 was also linked to self-reported criminal behavior and use of hard drugs in young adulthood. These findings are discussed as reflecting a substantial and enduring connection between attachment organization and severe adolescent psychopathology and a possible role of attachment organization in mediating some of the long-term sequelae of such psychopathology.     

La prediction du risque de decrochage scolaire au secondaire : facteurs personnels, familiaux et scolaires.

Research indicates that students at-risk of dropping out of school have learning difficulties, behaviour problems, and come from low income families. It is likely that a high percentage of students at-risk of dropping out of school cannot be identified. The objective of this multidimensional study is to identify personal, familial and schooling variables associated with students at-risk of school dropout. A sample of 235 students at-risk and 567 students not at-risk of dropping out of school were assessed on several personal, family, and schooling variables. At-risk students differentiated themselves from controls and from dropout students on most of the variables. Logistic regression analysis indicated seven factors better classify at-risk students: depression affect, low family cohesion and organisation, low student involvement, negative teacher attitudes, low performance in mathematics and French. Results showed gender differences. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Classroom social climate and student absences and grades.

Investigated the relationship between student and teacher perceptions of the social environments of 19 high school classes and student absenteeism rates and the average final grades given by the teacher. 19 classes of high school students were administered the Classroom Environment Scale. Results show that classes with high absenteeism rates were seen as high in competition and teacher control and low in teacher support. Classes in which teachers gave higher average grades were seen as high in involvement and low in teacher control. Results are discussed in light of their implications for understanding the differential effects of classes, as well as for identifying and changing high-risk classroom environments. (34 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Advances in the assessment of adolescent chemical dependency: Development of a chemical use problem severity scale.

Developed the Personal Involvement with Chemicals Scale (PICS) to measure the extent of psychological involvement in alcohol and drug use by adolescents. The PICS was tested on various adolescent populations including 646 12–18 yr olds receiving chemical dependency evaluation or treatment. Scale development and initial reliability and validity evidence are summarized. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Validating the Marschak Interaction Method Rating System with adolescent mother-child dyads.

The authors investigated the reliability and construct validity of the Marschak Interaction Method Rating System (MIMRS), a new observational scoring system for the play-based Marschak Interaction Method (MIM), particularly its ability to capture high-risk parenting in adolescent mother-child dyads. The MIMRS demonstrated high interrater reliability and high internal consistency. Convergent validity was supported by moderately negative correlations between the MIMRS and the Parenting Stress Index/Short Form. The MIMRS demonstrated good contrasted groups validity, differentiating between 15 adolescent-child dyads and 16 adult- child comparison dyads, even after adjustment for differences in children's age. These results suggest that the MIMRS has the potential be a valuable rating system for research and practice with the MIM, as well as understanding and assessing parent-child relationships. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Protective factors in adolescent health behavior

The role of psychosocial protective factors in adolescent health-enhancing behaviors--healthy diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, good dental hygiene, and seatbelt use--was investigated among 1,493 Hispanic, White, and Black high school students in a large, urban school district. Both proximal (health-related) and distal (conventionality-related) protective factors have significant positive relations with health-enhancing behavior and with the development of health-enhancing behavior. In addition, in cross-sectional analyses, protection was shown to moderate risk. Key proximal protective factors are value on health, perceived effects of health-compromising behavior, and parents who model health behavior. Key distal protective factors are positive orientation to school, friends who model conventional behavior, involvement in prosocial activities, and church attendance. The findings suggest the importance of individual differences on a dimension of conventionality-unconventionality. Strengthening both proximal and distal protective factors may help to promote healthful behaviors in adolescence.     

Multidimensional locus of control and drug use among high school students.

Examined the relationship between D. W. Reid and E. E. Ware's multidimensional measure of internal–external (I–E) locus of control and licit and illicit drug use among 920 high school students over a 2-yr period. Results based on 1-way ANOVAs indicate that dimensions of I–E control are differentially related to drug use. Greater externality on the dimension of fatalism was significantly related to the use of a number of drugs, while externality on the dimensions of self-control and sociopolitical control was not consistently related to drug use. Certain interpretations regarding the relationship between fatalism and drug use were tested. Since the I–E subscales appear to have a different validity, it is concluded that older unidimensional scales may obscure the relationship between I–E and drug use. The use of multidimensional measures is suggested since these offer more precise measurement of particular expectancy domains. (French summary) (27 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Links from emotional distress to adolescent drug use: A path model.

Administered anonymous surveys asking about drug use, emotional distress, and peer drug associations to 11th and 12th grade high school students (N?=?563). Emotional distress variables accounted for only 4.8% of the variance in drug use. The addition of peer drug associations as a predictor variable increased the variance accounted for to 43.4%. A path model of adolescent drug use based on peer cluster theory was tested using LISREL, and this provided a good fit with the data. As predicted, peer drug associations dominated the prediction of drug use and mediated the effect of emotional distress on drug use, with the exception of a small residual path directly from anger to drug use. The hypothesis that young people take drugs to alleviate emotional distress does not hold up well; emotional distress variables, with the exception of anger, produced only very small and indirect links to drug use. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)