Abstract
PurposePrior research reveals many risk factors related to adolescent substance use. In this study, we build an argument that insufficient sleep partially explains the effects of multiple risk factors (neighborhood disorder, unstructured socializing, bullying victimization, family conflict, and weak family social control) on substance use. MethodWe tested this argument with a large sample of middle and high school students. The causal pathway for each risk factor was estimated with a series of negative binomial models and generalized structural equational modeling. Indirect effects were also estimated. ResultsThe analysis revealed that each risk factor and shorter sleep duration significantly increased adolescent substance use. Moreover, it was found that sleep duration partially mediated each risk factor's effect on substance use. The degree of mediation varied by the risk factor that was examined. ConclusionsFindings from this study indicate that sleep duration is an important risk factor for adolescent substance use. Moreover, sleep duration appears to explain a portion of the effect of the other risk factors on substance use. In considering these issues, this study offers new insights into the predictors of insufficient sleep and its consequences on adolescent development.
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