Increases in substance use prevalence among girls, as well as a lack of research conducted with urban girls of color, highlight the importance of understanding both predictors and outcomes of substance use abstinence (SUA) within this population. This study addresses gaps in SUA research through a longitudinal investigation conducted with urban…

This study examined the relationship of social influences to use drugs and competence variables with lifetime poly-drug use for adolescents residing in inner-city regions. The same model was tested separately for boys and girls. Sixth- and seventh-graders (N = 2400) in inner-city schools self-reported substance use, social influences to use drugs…

This study examined the relationship of psychosocial factors with alcohol use for adolescents residing in rural Iowa. This association was also tested separately for boys and girls. Seventh graders (N = 1673) self-reported alcohol use, peer drinking norms, adult drinking norms, drug refusal assertiveness, drug refusal techniques, life skills,…

Study examined effectiveness of a substance abuse prevention program in preventing tobacco and alcohol use among elementary school students in grades 3 through 6. Program teaches social resistance skills and general personal and social competence skills. Findings indicate a school-based substance abuse prevention approach previously found to be…

Examines polydrug use among adolescents residing in an inner-city region by Hispanic ethnicity (Puerto Rican versus Dominican) and gender. Results indicate that in the first year of middle school, gender moderated the effect of Hispanic ethnicity on lifetime polydrug use. Concludes that both Hispanic ethnicity and gender mattered in determining…

Evaluates the buffering effect of cumulative protection on adolescent alcohol use in the presence of high and moderate cumulative risk. Students with high scores on the cumulative risk factor index engaged in more alcohol use compared to those with low scores; those with high scores on the cumulative protective factor index engaged in less alcohol…

Examines the moderating influences of psychosocial functioning on the relation between perceived neighborhood risk and alcohol, cigarette, and marijuana use in inner-city, ethnic minority youths. Neighborhood risk uniquely predicted alcohol, cigarette, and marijuana use; however, some relations were qualified by level of psychosocial functioning.…

Eighth graders (N=517) attending three New York City schools completed a questionnaire related to drug use and aggression. Self-reported aggressive and unsafe behaviors were associated with initiation of drug use. Sex differences were found for aggressive behavior, victimization, and unsafe behavior. Implications for prevention programs are…

Examines personal life events and neighborhood stress as determinants of alcohol use among urban, minority youth. Analyses were constructed to examine the ability of psychosocial functioning to moderate relations between life events, neighborhood stress, and alcohol use. Both positive and negative life events and neighborhood stress uniquely…

Study focuses on a sample of economically disadvantaged adolescents attending New York City schools (N=1,875). Longitudinal predictors of smoking from four domains were tested, with findings supporting both social learning theory and problem behavior theory. Discusses the key components for effective smoking prevention approaches. (Author/GCP)

Reports on the effectiveness of a drug abuse prevention intervention with a predominantly minority sample of seventh-grade students (N=721). Results indicate that this approach was effective on several behavioral measures of current drug use, including measures of polydrug use and on intention measures relevant to future drug use. (RJM)

Examined African American and Hispanic seventh graders (N=1,815) to study ethnic identity's moderating effect on psychosocial risk and drug use. Results based on cross-sectional analyses and longitudinal analyses indicate that low levels of ethnic identity were associated with both low risk and low use. Other results are reported. (RJM)

Describes the needs of youth at high risk of future drug use and an intervention approach which responds to those needs. Discusses the merits of community-based drug abuse prevention, reviews the background and nature of drug use among high-risk youth, and discusses results from community-based prevention interventions. (RJM)

Studied youth living in housing developments (N=700) and youth living in conventional housing (N=700) to examine the role of public housing in drug use. Correlates and predictors of alcohol and drug use were used. Results indicate few significant mean differences in psychosocial functioning or drug behavior for the two groups. (RJM)

Examined predictors of tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use with homeless adolescents and preadolescents (N=234). Results reveal that social influences (friends and family drug use) are strong predictors of experimental drug use and intentions to use drugs, as are several psychological factors (psychological well-being, assertiveness, and social…