Adolescent Ecstasy Use: A Test of Social Bonds and Social Learning Theory

Abstract

Recent data show an increase in ecstasy use among adolescents, yet the literature on ecstasy use is scant and largely atheoretical. This research seeks to fill this gap by utilizing data from a national sample of adolescents to test two prominent criminological theories. The findings are supportive of both social control and social learning theories. Adolescents who have favorable attitudes toward substance use, whose peers use, and whose parents and peers condone use are more likely to consume ecstasy. Adolescents with strong bonds to family and school were less likely to consume ecstasy in comparison to adolescents with weaker bonds. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.