Longitudinal Perspectives on Drug Use: Analyses from the New York Longitudinal Study

Abstract

The present study looked at the relationship between various early childhood and adolescent emotional and adjustment characteristics and later tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use for the 133 subjects (sixty-six males, sixty-seven females) of the New York Longitudinal Study (NYLS). Results indicated that characteristics such as high amounts of dissatisfaction and undercompliance at ages one through six were related to high amounts of tobacco use at ages ten through thirteen. Problems with coping and discipline at age five were associated with high levels of alcohol use in young adulthood, and marijuana use at ages thirteen through sixteen. During adolescence, problems with emotional expressiveness, self evaluation, school and social functioning, and implementation of goals were related to high levels of tobacco and marijuana use from age sixteen into adulthood, and alcohol use from age nineteen on. Results are discussed in relation to their implications for longitudinal research and prevention strategies.