Validation of a Measure to Assess Alcohol- and Marijuana-Related Risks and Consequences Among Incarcerated Adolescents

Authors

L. A.R. Stein, University of Rhode IslandFollow
Rebecca Lebeau, University of Rhode IslandFollow
Mary Clair
Joseph S. Rossi, University of Rhode IslandFollow
Rose Marie Martin
Charles Golembeske

Document Type

Article

Date of Original Version

2010

Abstract

Few measures exist to assess risky behaviors and consequences as they relate to substance use in juvenile delinquents. This study sought to validate such a measure on a racially and ethnically diverse sample (N = 175). Results indicate that alcohol-related risky behaviors and consequences comprise a single scale as do marijuana-related risky behaviors and consequences. Furthermore, results suggest that the retention of common items for both scales produces reliable and valid scales and maintains parsimony. Internal consistencies were more than adequate (0.72 – 0.83) and test-retest stabilities, even across several months were acceptable (0.52 - 0.50). The scales evidenced a high degree of concurrent and predictive incremental validity in predicting conduct disorder, dependence symptoms, and consumption patterns. Researchers can use these scales to measure a generalized construct tapping risks and consequences as related to alcohol and marijuana use. Ease of use may make these scales appealing to clinicians who can provide feedback to clients regarding risky behaviors involving alcohol and marijuana.

Citation/Publisher Attribution

Stein, L. A. R., Lebeasu, R., Clair, M., Rossi, J. S., Martin, R.M., & Golembeske, C. (2010). Validation of a Measure to Assess Alcohol- and Marijuana-Related Risks and Consequences Among Incarcerated Adolescents. Drug Alcohol Dependence, 109(1-3), 104-113. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2009.12.015

Available at: http://www.dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2009.12.015

Comment

L. A. R. Stein, Rebecca Lebeau and J. S. Rossi are professors in the Department of Psychology.