Risk and Preventive Factors for Substance Use among Adolescents

• In Event: Protective and Risk Factors for Delinquency and Drug Use

Abstract

The current research examines the relationship between extracurricular activities and substance use in adolescents, using data from Wave I of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) 1994-2008. Given that previous studies have found links between sport participation and substance use in adolescents, it is important to explore if there is a correlation between other extracurricular activities and substance use in adolescents in order to identify any risk factors. In addition, it is important that we identify any potential extracurricular activities that may serve as a preventative factor for substance use in adolescents. The theoretical framework of this study examines Hirschi's (1969) Social Control Theory and Akers' (1985) Social Learning Theory. To my knowledge there are no studies that have used national representative data to specifically examine the link between extracurricular activities using these two theoretical models. Furthermore, many studies have been conducted on sports participation and substance use but there is a lack of literature on other extracurricular activities adolescents participate in such as gymnastics, dancing, karate, roller-blading, roller-skating, skateboarding, bicycling, musical instrument playing, arts and crafts, and reading. The current study will address this gap in the literature by testing Social Control and Social Learning Theory.

Author

• Lynnette Coto, University of Central Florida