Levels and Psychosocial Correlates of Adolescent Drug Use (From Drug Abuse, P 61-77, 1987, Raymond J Reitz, ed. -- See NCJ-127612)

• NCJ Number: 127617
• Author(s): J A Kovach; N W Glickman
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 17 pages
• Sale Source: Phi Delta Kappa
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Reprinted from Journal of Youth and Adolescence, V 15, N 1 (February 1986), P 61-77

Annotation

Information from 480 students in two Philadelphia high schools formed the basis of this analysis of trends and patterns of adolescent drug abuse and the psychosocial factors associated with it.

Abstract

The students completed personal interviews and a questionnaire that included several psychological scales and test batteries. The analysis focused on 125 psychosocial variables and used an index of severity of drug use to clarify the role of various causal factors at different levels of drug abuse. Results appeared to confirm the suggestions in the research literature that drug use has become a normal, predictable form of behavior that accompanies adolescent development. In addition, low-self-esteem does not appear to be related to drug use, and psychopathological factors are important in severe drug abuse. Findings indicated the need for programs that recognize the roles of the family and social environments and for research focusing on the prediction of severe drug abuse. Tables and 18 references (Author abstract modified)