Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Profiles of Protection from Substance Use among Adolescents

  • Published:
Prevention Science Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore whether adolescents (N = 10,287) could be classified into homogeneous subgroups based on their protective factors and, if so, whether these constellations of protection differentially relate to adolescents’ lifetime and 30-day alcohol and tobacco use. Latent class analysis with eight protective factors—four internal and four external—were used to identify the underlying latent class structure. Five profiles of protection emerged: Adequate Protection (54%), Adequate External Protection (9%), Adequate Protection with Low Adult Communication (16%), Adequate Protection with Risky Friends (9%), and Inadequate Protection (12%). Lifetime alcohol use was associated with only a modest increase in odds of belonging to the Adequate External or Low Adult Communication latent classes, but an enormous increase in odds of having Inadequate Protection or Risky Friends. Similar effects were found for past month alcohol use. Unlike alcohol use, which was related most strongly with membership in the Risky Friends latent class (relative to Adequate Protection), cigarette use was most strongly related to membership in the Inadequate Protection latent class. Findings can be used to inform prevention programs as they illustrate the relationships that exist between adolescents’ profiles of protection and substance use.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Aaron, D.J., Dearwater, S.R., Anderson, R., Olsen, T., Kriska, A.M., & Laporte, R.E. (1995). Physical activity and the initiation of high-risk health behaviors in adolescents. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 27, 1639–1645.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Akaike, H. (1974). A new look at the statistical model identification. IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control, 19, 716–723.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bandura, A. (1977). Social learning theory. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.

    Google Scholar 

  • Beam, M.R., Chen, C., & Greenberger, E. (2002). The nature of adolescents’ relationships with their “very important” nonparental adults. American Journal of Community Psychology, 30, 305–325.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Benson, P.L., Mannes, M., Pittman, K., & Ferber, T. (2004). Youth development, developmental assets, and public policy. In R. M. Lerner & L. Steinberg (Eds.), Handbook of adolescent psychology (pp. 781–814, 2nd ed.). New York: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bergman, L.R., & Magnusson, D. (1997). A person-oriented approach in research on developmental psychopathology. Development and Psychopathology, 9, 291–319.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bergman, L.R., Magnusson, D., & El-Khouri, B.M. (2003). Studying individual development in an interindividual context: A person-oriented approach. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Biglan, A., Duncan, T.E., Ary, D.V., & Smolkowski, K. (1995). Peer and parental influences on adolescent tobacco use. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 18, 315–330.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Carroll, A., Durkin, K., Hattie, J., & Houghton, S. (1997). Goal setting among adolescents: A comparison of delinquent, at-risk, and not-at-risk youth. Journal of Educational Psychology, 89, 441–450.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Catalano, R.F., Hawkins, J.D., Berglund, M.L., Pollard, J.A., & Arthur, M.W. (2002). Prevention science and positive youth development: Competitive or cooperative frameworks? Journal of Adolescent Health, 31, 230–239.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Clausen, J.S. (1991). Adolescent competence and the shaping of the life course. American Journal of Sociology, 96, 805–842.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cleveland, M.J., Feinberg, M.E., Bontempo, D.E., & Greenberg, M.T. (2008). The role of risk and protective factors in substance use across adolescence. Journal of Adolescent Health, 43, 157–164.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Collins, L.M., & Lanza, S.T. (2009). Latent class and latent transition analysis for applications in the social, behavioral, and health sciences. New York: Wiley (in press).

    Google Scholar 

  • Collins, L.M., Murphy, S.A., & Bierman, K. (2004). A conceptual framework for adaptive preventive interventions. Prevention Science, 3, 185–196.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cowen, E. L. (1994). The enhancement of psychological wellness: Challenges and opportunities. American Journal of Community Psychology, 22, 149–179.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Crockett, L.J., & Silbereisen, R.K. (2000). Social changes and adolescent development: issues and challenges. In L. J. Crockett & R. K. Silbereisen (Eds.), Negotiating adolescence in times of social change (pp. 1–13). New York: Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Damon, W. (2004). What is positive youth development? Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 591, 13–24.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dishion, T.J., & Kavanagh, K. (2003). Intervening in adolescent problem behavior: A family-centered approach. New York: Guilford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dishion, T.J., Kavanagh, K., Schneiger, A., Nelson, S., & Kaufman, N.K. (2002). Preventing early adolescent substance use: A family-centered strategy for the public middle school. Prevention Science, 3, 191–201.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • DuBois, D.L., & Silverthorn, N. (2005). Natural mentoring relationships and adolescent health: Evidence from a national study. American Journal of Public Health, 95, 518–524.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Durlak, J.A. (1995). School-based prevention programs for children and adolescents. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Eddy, J.M., & Martinez, C.R. (2008). An introduction to the Sloboda and Bukoski Society for Prevention Research (SPR) Cup. Prevention Science, 9, 1–3.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Elder, C., Leaver-Dunn, D., Wang, M.Q., Nagy, S., & Green, L. (2000). Organized group activity as a protective factor against adolescent substance use. American Journal of Health Behavior, 24, 108–113.

    Google Scholar 

  • Farrell, A.D. (2008). The Multisite Violence Prevention Project: Impact of a universal school-based violence prevention program on social-cognitive outcomes. Prevention Science, 9, 231–244.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Farrington, D.P., & Loeber, R. (2000). Some benefits of dichotomization in psychiatric and criminological research. Criminal Behavior and Mental Health, 10, 100–122.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Flay, B.R., Hu, F.B., & Richardson, J. (1998). Psychosocial predictors of different stages of cigarette smoking among high school students. Preventive Medicine, 27, A9–A18.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fletcher, A.C., Darling, N., & Steinberg, L. (1995). Parental monitoring and peer influences on adolescent substance use. In J. McCord (Ed.), Coercion and punishment in long-term perspective (pp. 259–271). New York: Cambridge University Press.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Gardner, M., & Steinberg, L. (2005). Peer influence on risk taking, risk preference, and risky decision making in adolescence and adulthood: An experimental study. Developmental Psychology, 41, 625–635.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gilliam, F.D., & Balles, S.N. (2001). Strategic frame analysis: Reframing America’s youth. Social Policy Report, XV, 65.

    Google Scholar 

  • Griffin, K.W., Botvin, G.J., Nichols, T.R., & Scheier, L.M. (2004). Low perceived chances for success in life and binge drinking among inner-city minority youth. Journal of Adolescent Health, 34, 501–507.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Goodman, L.A. (1974). Exploratory latent structure analysis using both identifiable and unidentifiable models. Biometrika, 61, 215–231.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hamm, J.V. (2000). Do birds of a feather flock together? The variable bases for African American, Asian American, and European American adolescents’ selection of similar friends. Developmental Psychology, 36, 209–219.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hawkins, J.D., Catalano, R.F., & Miller, J.Y. (1992). Risk and protective factors for alcohol and other drug problems in adolescence and early adulthood: Implications for substance abuse prevention. Psychological Bulletin, 112, 64–105.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hawkins, J.D., Catalano, R.F., Kosterman, R., Abbott, R., & Hill, K.G. (1999). Prevention of adolescent health-risk behaviors by strengthening protection during childhood. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 153, 226–234.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hawkins, J.D., Guo, J., Hill, K.G., Battin-Pearson, S., & Abbott, R.D. (2001). Long-term effects of the Seattle Social Development Intervention on school bonding trajectories. Applied Developmental Science, 5, 225–236.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hawkins, J.D., Van Horn, M.L., & Arthur, M.W. (2004). Community variation in risk and protective factors and substance use outcomes. Prevention Science, 5, 213–220.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jackson, C. (1997). Initial and experimental stages of tobacco and alcohol use during late childhood: Relation to peer, parent, and personal risk factors. Addictive Behavior, 22, 685–698.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jelicic, H., Bobek, D.L., Phelps, E., Lerner, R.M., & Lerner, J.V. (2007). Using positive youth development to predict contribution and risk behaviors in early adolescence: Findings from the first two waves of the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development. International Journal of Behavioral Development, 31, 263–273.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jenson, J.M. (2004). Risk and protective factors for alcohol and other drug use in childhood and adolescence. In M. W. Fraser (Ed.), Risk and resilience in childhood: An ecological perspective (pp. 183–208, 2nd ed.). Washington, DC: NASW.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jessor, R., Van Den Bos, J., Vanderryn, J., Costa, F.M., & Turbin, M.S. (1995). Protective factors in adolescent problem behavior: Moderator effects and developmental change. Developmental Psychology, 31, 923–933.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Johnston, L.D., Bachman, J.G., & O’Malley, P.M. (2007). Monitoring the Future: A continuing study of the lifestyles and values of youth (12th Grade Survey), 1977–2006. [Data file]. Conducted by University of Michigan, Survey Research Center. Ann Arbor: Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research, Institute for Social Research.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kafka, R.R., & London, P. (1991). Communication in relationships and adolescent substance use: The influence of parents and friends. Adolescence, 26, 587–598.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kraemer, H.C., Kazdin, A.E., Offord, D.R., Kessler, R.C., Jensen, P.S., & Kupfer, D.J. (1997). Coming to terms with the terms of risk. Archives of General Psychiatry, 54, 337–343.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kulig, K., Brener, N.D., & McManus, T. (2003). Sexual activity and substance use among adolescents by category of physical activity plus team sports participation. Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, 157, 905–912.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lanza, S.T., Collins, L.M., Lemmon, D.R., & Schafer, J.L. (2007). PROC LCA: A SAS procedure for latent class analysis. Structural Equation Modeling, 14, 671–694.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lanza, S.T., Lemmon, D.R., Schafer, J.L., & Collins, L.M. (2008). PROC LCA user’s guide version 1.1.5. University Park: Pennsylvania State University, The Methodology Center.

    Google Scholar 

  • Magnusson, D. (1988). Individual development from an interactional perspective: A longitudinal study. Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Magnusson, D. (1995). Individual development: A holistic, integrated model. In P. Moen, G. H. Jr Elder, & K. Lüscher (Eds.), Examining lives in context: Perspectives on the ecology of human development (pp. 19–60). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Masten, A.S. (2001). Ordinary magic: Resilience processes in development. American Psychologist, 56, 227–238.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Masten, A.S., & Curtis, W.J. (2000). Integrating competence and psychopathology: Pathways toward a comprehensive science of adaptation in development. Development and Psychopathology, 12, 529–550.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Maxwell, K.A. (2002). Friends: The role of peer influence across adolescent risk behaviors. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 31, 267–277.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Miller, M.A., Alberts, J.K., Hecht, M.L., Trost, M., & Krizek, R.L. (2000). Adolescent relationships and drug use. Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Molgaard, V.K., Kumpfer, K., & Fleming, E. (2001). Strengthening Families Program: For parents and youth 10-13. A video based curriculum. (Leader Guide). Ames: Iowa State University Extension.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moore, M.J., & Werch, C.E. (2005). Sport and physical activity participation and substance use among adolescents. Journal of Adolescent Health, 36, 486–493.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Newcomb, M.D., Bentler, P.M., & Collins, C. (1986). Alcohol use and dissatisfaction with self and life: A longitudinal analysis of young adults. Journal of Drug Issues, 63, 479–494.

    Google Scholar 

  • Oman, R.F., Vesely, S., Aspy, C., McLeroy, K.R., Rodine, S., & Marshall, L. (2004). The potential protective effect of youth assets on adolescent alcohol and drug use. American Journal of Public Health, 94, 1425–1430.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pate, R.R., Trost, S.G., Levin, S., & Dowda, M. (2000). Sports participation and health-related behaviors among US youth. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 154, 904–911.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pollard, J.A., Hawkins, J.D., & Arthur, M.W. (1999). Risk and protection: Are both necessary to understand diverse behavioral outcomes in adolescence? Social Work Research, 23, 145–157.

    Google Scholar 

  • Prinstein, M.J., Boergers, J., & Spirito, A. (2001). Adolescents’ and their friends’ health-risk behaviors: Factors that alter or add to peer influence. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 26, 287–298.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Raphael, D. (1996). The determinants of adolescent health: Evolving definitions, recent findings, and proposed research agenda. Journal of Adolescent Health, 19, 6–16.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rhodes, J.E., Reddy, R., & Grossman, J.B. (2005). The protective influence of mentoring on adolescents’ substance use: Direct and indirect pathways. Applied Developmental Science, 9, 31–47.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Roth, J., Brooks-Gunn, J., Murray, L., & Foster, W. (1998). Promoting healthy adolescents: Synthesis of youth development program evaluations. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 8, 423–459.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rutter, M. (1979). Protective factors in children’s response to stress and disadvantage. In W. M. Kent & J. E. Rolf (Eds.), Primary prevention of psychopathology, vol. 3 (pp. 49–74). Hanover, NH: University Press of New England.

    Google Scholar 

  • Scales, P.C., & Leffert, N. (1999). Developmental assets: A synthesis of the scientific research on adolescent development. Minneapolis, MN, US: Search Institute.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schwartz, G. (1978). Estimating the dimension of a model. Annals of Statistics, 6, 461–464.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schwartz, S.J., Pantin, H., Coatsworth, J.D., & Szapocznik, J. (2007). Addressing the challenges and opportunities for today’s youth: Toward an integrative model and its implications for research and intervention. Journal of Primary Prevention, 28, 117–144.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Silbereisen, R.K., & Lerner, R.M. (Eds.) (2007). Approaches to positive youth development. London: Sage.

  • Simons-Morton, B.G., Crump, A.D., Haynie, D.L., & Saylor, K.E. (1999). Student–school bonding and adolescent problem behavior. Health Educational Research, 14, 99–107.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Stevens, G.D., Seid, M., Mistry, R., & Halfon, N. (2006). Disparities in primary care for vulnerable children: The influence of multiple risk factors. Health Services Research, 41, 507–531.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Theokas, C., & Lerner, R.M. (2006). Observed ecological assets in families, schools, and neighborhoods: Conceptualization, measurement and relations with positive and negative developmental outcomes. Applied Developmental Science, 10, 61–74.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Topolski, T.D., Patrick, D.L., Edwards, T.C., Huebner, C.E., Connell, F.A., & Mount, K.K. (2001). Quality of life and health-risk behaviors among adolescents. Journal of Adolescent Health, 29, 426–435.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • von Eye, A., & Bergman, L.R. (2003). Research strategies in developmental psychopathology: Dimensional identity and the person-oriented approach [Special Issue: Conceptual, methodological, and statistical issues in developmental psychopathology: A special issue in honor of Paul E. Meehl]. Development and Psychopathology, 15, 553–580.

    Google Scholar 

  • Weissberg, R.P., & Greenberg, M.T. (1998). School and community competence-enhancement and prevention programs. In W. Damon (Series Ed.), I. E. Sigel, & K. A., Renniger (Vol. Eds.), Handbook of child psychology: Vol. 4. Child psychology in practice (5th ed., pp. 877–954). New York: Wiley.

  • Werner, E.E. (1989). Children of the garden island. Scientific American, 260, 107–111.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wooley, M.E., & Bowen, G.L. (2007). In the context of risk: Supportive adults and the school engagement of middle school students. Family Relations, 56, 92–105.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zullig, K.J., Valois, R.T., Huebner, E.S., Oeltmann, J.E., & Drane, W. (2001). Relationship between perceived life satisfaction and adolescents’ substance abuse. Journal of Adolescent Health, 29, 279–288.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

An earlier version of this paper was presented at the Society for Prevention Research conference (2008, May) in San Francisco, CA as part of the Sloboda and Bukoski SPR Cup Competition (Eddy & Martinez 2008). The authors’ time was supported by NIDA training grants T32 DA017629, F31 DA024535, and F31 DA024916-01 and NIDA Center Grant P50 DA100075 to The Methodology Center at The Pennsylvania State University. The contents of the article are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

The authors would like to thank Stephanie Lanza, PhD and Mark Greenberg, PhD for their valuable and constructive comments on earlier drafts of the manuscript.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA

    Amy K. Syvertsen, Michael J. Cleveland, Jochebed G. Gayles & Melissa K. Tibbits

  2. University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Monique T. Faulk

Authors
  1. Amy K. Syvertsen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Michael J. Cleveland
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Jochebed G. Gayles
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Melissa K. Tibbits
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Monique T. Faulk
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Amy K. Syvertsen.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Syvertsen, A.K., Cleveland, M.J., Gayles, J.G. et al. Profiles of Protection from Substance Use among Adolescents. Prev Sci 11, 185–196 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11121-009-0154-9

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11121-009-0154-9

Keywords

Search

Navigation