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[Self-concept and drug use in adolescence]
María C Fuentes1, Fernando García, Enrique Gracia
1Universidad de Valencia, España. M.Castillo.Fuentes@uv.es
Adicciones
|August 5, 2011
Summary
Adolescent self-concept, particularly family, academic, and physical aspects, is negatively linked to drug use. Controlling for sex is crucial to avoid spurious findings regarding social self-concept and adolescent drug use.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Adolescent Development
- Substance Use Research
Context:
- Self-concept is a critical factor in adolescent psychosocial adjustment.
- Understanding the relationship between self-concept dimensions and drug use is vital for intervention.
- Previous research has yielded mixed results regarding social self-concept and drug use.
Purpose:
- To investigate the multidimensional self-concept's relationship with adolescent drug use.
- To examine the influence of psychosocial adjustment indicators on this relationship.
- To determine the necessity of controlling for variables like sex in self-concept and drug use research.
Summary:
- A study of 632 adolescents (ages 12-17) utilized the Self-concept Form-5 Questionnaire (AF5).
- Negative correlations were found between family, academic, and physical self-concept and drug use.
- The positive link between social self-concept and drug use was non-significant after controlling for age and sex, highlighting the importance of statistical controls.
Impact:
- Findings support self-concept as a key correlate of psychological well-being and adaptive adolescent behaviors.
- Emphasizes the need to control for third variables, such as sex, to prevent spurious conclusions in drug use research.
- Provides a more nuanced understanding of self-concept dimensions and their differential links to adolescent substance use.
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