Date of Award
2006
Degree Type
Dissertation
First Advisor
James O. Prochaska
Abstract
The current study was designed to examine the Profiles of Prevention among non-drinking and non-smoking adolescents. Research across age groups (elementary, middle and high school), populations (U.S., U.K., and Israel), and substances (tobacco, alcohol and other drugs) has consistently identified four profiles of non-users who vary in their risks for substance use: (1) Most Protected from substance use; (2) Most Tempted to use substances; (3) Most Negative about staying substance free; and (4) Least Positive about being substance free. These profiles have demonstrated both internal and external validity in cross-sectional data. This longitudinal research focuses on students who remain substance free (movement within the profiles of prevention) and students who acquire the use of substances over time (movement out of the profiles of prevention). This study investigates the acquisition of drinking and smoking among the four profiles of preventions as well as the movement within the profiles of prevention over time. Students in the Most Protected and Most Negative profiles appear to be acquiring the use of substance the least. This study also identifies important predictors related to acquisition of substance use and the stability among the profiles. The Processes of Prevention and peer use are among the variables found to be predictive of future substance use and stability within the profiles. This knowledge leads the way to innovative prevention programs that could better serve similar populations in the future.
Recommended Citation
Paiva, Andrea Eastwood, "Youth at risk for alcohol use and smoking: A longitudinal examination of profiles of prevention" (2006). Open Access Dissertations. Paper 2101.
https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/oa_diss/2101
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