Brooks MJ, Marshal MP, McCauley HL, Douaihy A, Miller E. The Relationship Between Hope and Adolescent Likelihood to Endorse Substance Use Behaviors in a Sample of Marginalized Youth.
Subst Use Misuse 2016;
51:1815-9. [PMID:
27556872 PMCID:
PMC8006866 DOI:
10.1080/10826084.2016.1197268]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Hopefulness has been associated with increased treatment retention and reduced substance abuse among adults, and may be a promising modifiable factor to leverage in substance abuse treatment settings. Few studies have assessed the relationship between hopefulness and substance use in adolescents, particularly those with high-risk backgrounds.
OBJECTIVE
We explored whether high hope is associated with less likelihood for engaging in a variety of substance use behaviors in a sample of marginalized adolescents.
METHODS
Using logistic regression, we assessed results from a cross-sectional anonymous youth behavior survey (n = 256 youth, ages 14 to 19). We recruited from local youth serving agencies (e.g., homeless shelters, group homes, short-term detention).
RESULTS
The sample was almost 60% male and two thirds African American. Unadjusted models showed youth with higher hope had a 50-58% (p = <.05) decreased odds of endorsing heavy episodic drinking, daily tobacco use, recent or lifetime marijuana use, and sex after using substances. Adjusted models showed a 52% decreased odds of lifetime marijuana use with higher hope, and a trend towards less sex after substance use (AOR 0.481; p = 0.065). No other substance use behaviors remained significantly associated with higher hope scores in adjusted models.
CONCLUSIONS/IMPORTANCE
Hopefulness may contribute to decreased likelihood of substance use in adolescents. Focusing on hope may be one modifiable target in a comprehensive primary or secondary substance use prevention program.
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