Ecological Predictors of Substance Use in Middle School Students

American Psychological Association. Journals Department, 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242. Tel: 800-374-2721; Tel: 202-336-5510; Fax: 202-336-5502; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: http://www.apa.org/publications

Y

16

Counselors

Middle School Students; Structural Equation Models; Child Rearing; Early Adolescents; Predictor Variables; Substance Abuse; Student Behavior; Parent Child Relationship; Teacher Student Relationship; Suburban Schools; Parenting Styles; Teacher Role; At Risk Persons; Smoking; Drinking; Drug Abuse; Academic Achievement; Social Support Groups; Peer Influence; School Psychology

10.1037/1045-3830.23.3.373

1045-3830

The current study examined important predictors of substance use during early adolescence. The authors hypothesized that adolescents' relationships with key adults (i.e., teachers and parents) influence their choices to use substances indirectly through links with their decisions regarding peer groups. A total of 461 middle school students from an affluent suburban community completed self-report measures of authoritative parenting, perceived social support from teachers, affiliation with rule-breaking and substance-using peers, and frequency of alcohol, cigarette, and drug use. Results of structural equation modeling supported the hypothesized model. Authoritative parenting and teacher support accounted for 31% of the variance in affiliation with deviant peers which, in turn, accounted for 27% of the variance in adolescent substance use; direct paths from parenting and teacher support to substance use were not indicated. Implications for school psychologists' involvement in substance use prevention and intervention are discussed. (Contains 1 figure, 3 tables, and 1 footnote.)

As Provided

67

2008

EJ811145