Marijuana use among minority youths living in public housing developments

The Influence of Generational Status and Psychosocial Variables on Marijuana Use among Black and Puerto Rican Adolescents

This study uses a longitudinal design to assess the relationship between Black and Puerto Rican adolescent generational status (first generation vs. second generation) and specific psychosocial factors predicting later marijuana use. In addition, the interactive effects of adolescent generational status and psychosocial risk and protective factors on later marijuana use were assessed. Structured interviews were conducted with 108 Black males and females and 392 Puerto Rican males and females whose mean age at Time 1 and Time 2 was 14 and 19, respectively. Correlation analyses showed that various psychosocial variables (i.e., personality, family, peer, and the ecological setting) were related to later marijuana use. Regression analysis showed that the personality and family domains had a direct relationship with young adult marijuana use. In contrast, the impact of the generational status of the adolescent on later marijuana use was mediated by the psychosocial variables. The findings also indicated that the risk for drug use among second generation American adolescents (American-born children of immigrant parents) was offset by a number of protective factors stemming from the domains of personality, family, and ecology.

Paternal, perceived maternal, and youth risk factors as predictors of youth stage of substance use a longitudinal study

This longitudinal study examined paternal, perceived maternal, and youth risk factors at Time 1 (T1) (e.g., substance use, violent victimization, parental rules) as predictors of the stage of substance use in the adolescent child at Time 2 (T2). Participants (N = 296) consisted of drug-abusing fathers and one of their adolescent children, aged 12 to 20 years. Fathers and youths were each administered structured interviews separately and in private. Adolescents were re-interviewed approximately one year later. Pearson correlation analyses showed that the paternal, perceived maternal, and youth risk factors were significantly related to adolescent stage of substance use at T2. With an increase in risk factors, there was an increase in T2 stage of substance use in the child. Findings imply that father-oriented treatment programs should focus on how paternal behaviors, such as illegal drug use, inadequate parenting skills, and a poor father-child relationship contribute to youth problem behaviors, including alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drug use.

The violent matrix: a study of structural, interpersonal, and intrapersonal violence among a sample of poor women

One goal of this paper is to present an integrated tripartite model of violence, with a focus on structural violence within an oppression paradigm. Using qualitative and quantitative data from 27 women (70% African American and 30% European American) who participated in a national substance abuse treatment demonstration program, we describe a model of violence in which structural violence is presented within a transactional relationship with interpersonal, and intrapersonal violence. We suggest that the effects of structural, interpersonal, and intrapersonal violence are magnified when race and poverty are considered. The second goal of the paper is to present a preliminary test of the new model of violence. Results indicated that different levels and types of violence are interrelated. Implications of these findings for empowering solutions are suggested.