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Constructive thinking in adolescents with substance use disorders.
R T Ammerman1, K G Lynch, J E Donovan
1Children's Hospital Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. ammm9c@chmcc.org
Summary
The Constructive Thinking Inventory (CTI) effectively identifies adolescents with substance use disorders (SUDs). Specific CTI scales, like Behavioral Coping, show clinical relevance for assessing adolescent SUDs.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Adolescent Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Substance use disorders (SUDs) are prevalent in adolescents.
- Experiential coping mechanisms are crucial for understanding adolescent mental health.
- The Constructive Thinking Inventory (CTI) measures cognitive styles related to coping.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the concurrent validity of the CTI in adolescents.
- To examine clinical correlates of the CTI, including depression, anxiety, and conduct problems.
- To determine if CTI scales can differentiate adolescents with and without SUDs.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 551 adolescents (aged 14-18) was studied.
- Participants included those with and without SUDs based on DSM-IV criteria.
- The CTI was correlated with measures of depression, anxiety, and conduct problems.
Main Results:
- CTI scales showed concurrent validity with measures of psychological distress.
- Behavioral Coping and Categorical Thinking scales of the CTI distinguished adolescents with SUDs from controls.
- These findings remained significant after controlling for demographics and comorbid disorders.
Conclusions:
- The CTI demonstrates clinical utility in assessing adolescents with SUDs.
- Specific CTI scales offer valuable insights for identifying and potentially treating adolescent SUDs.
- The findings support the use of the CTI in clinical settings for adolescent populations.