Developmental Perspectives on Problem Behavior and Prevention in Adolescence (From Social Intervention: Potential and Constraints, P 205-218, 1987, Klaus Hurrelmann, et. al., eds.)

• NCJ Number: 120472
• Author(s): R K Silbereisen; P Noack; M Reitzle
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 14 pages
• Sale Source: Walter de Gruyter & Co
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: West Germany (Former)

Annotation

Adolescent problem behavior, specifically substance use, is an effort to master age-typical difficulties in matching developmental orientation and the opportunities provided by the individual's environment.

Abstract

Leisure settings enable adolescents to accomplish their personal development agendas, and are particularly instrumental for pursuit of goals related to integration into peer groups and establishing contacts with the other sex, even in cases where the nominal designation is not specifically social. Semi-structured interviews focused on the goals motivating adolescents to visit leisure settings and their strategies for attaining those goals. Only rarely was substance use the direct aim of the visit to the leisure setting; the major role of alcohol or cigarettes was to establish contacts. An increased emphasis on learning social skills, thereby increasing self-regulation and self-efficacy, should reduce the difficulties otherwise mastered through substance use. Prevention strategies involving inoculation and functional alternatives are discussed. 5 tables, 39 references.