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Buffering effect of religiosity for adolescent substance use
Thomas Ashby Wills1, Alison M Yaeger, James M Sandy
1Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, Bronx, New York 10461, USA. wills@aecom.yu.edu
Summary
This study found that religiosity can protect adolescents from substance use, even when facing significant life stress. Higher levels of religious values were linked to lower rates of alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana use over time.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Adolescent Health
Background:
- Adolescent substance use is a significant public health concern.
- Life stress is a known risk factor for adolescent substance use.
- The potential protective role of religiosity in this context requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine if religiosity acts as a buffer against the negative effects of life stress on adolescent substance use.
- To investigate the relationship between religiosity, life stress, and the initiation and progression of substance use.
- To explore the long-term impact of religiosity on adolescent substance use patterns.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study surveying 1,182 adolescents across four time points from 7th to 10th grade.
- Utilized Jessor's Value on Religion Scale to measure religiosity.
- Employed cross-sectional and latent growth analyses to assess interactions and developmental trajectories.
Main Results:
- Religiosity was inversely correlated with adolescent alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana use.
- Significant buffering effects of religiosity were observed against life stress for all substances studied.
- Religiosity mitigated both the initial level and the rate of increase in adolescent substance use over time.
Conclusions:
- Religiosity serves as a protective factor, reducing the impact of life stress on adolescent substance use.
- Findings suggest that religious beliefs and practices may play a crucial role in preventing substance use initiation and escalation.
- Further research is warranted to explore the mechanisms through which religiosity exerts its protective effects in adolescent populations.