NCJ Number
210466
Journal
Journal of Drug Issues Volume: 35 Issue: 2 Dated: Spring 2005 Pages: 333-356
Date Published
2005
Length
24 pages
Annotation
This study examined the adult role taking and substance use prevalence among a sample of alternative high school students who were followed for 5 years into early emerging adulthood.
Abstract
The period known as emerging adulthood, between late adolescence and young adulthood, is a critical stage of development and one characterized by a high prevalence of drug use. The current study examined the prevalence of adult role taking and substance use during emerging adulthood among a sample of 848 individuals who attended alternative high schools during adolescence. The analysis also explored the relationships between demographic and baseline psychosocial variables, drug use and related outcomes 5 years later, and the relationship between adult role taking and substance use. Participants who were recruited at their schools for a prevention intervention trial completed a self-report questionnaire measuring drug use behavior, consequences of drug use, demographic variables, adult role taking, cultural influences, social context influences, and intrapersonal influences. Participants were followed each year for a period of 5 years. Results revealed that during the period of emerging adulthood, 74 percent of participants were employed and 43 percent had at least one child. Negative consequences from drug use were experienced by 47 percent of participants. After controlling for baseline psychosocial variables, attending school and being married at the 5-year follow up were the most significant negative correlates of consequences and problems resulting from drug use. Future longitudinal research should examine the trajectories of drug use among youths in alternative schools in order to better guide intervention strategies for this high-risk population. Tables, references