The Effect of Parental Abuse and Negative School Experiences on Female Adolescent’s Substance Use: Focusing on the Mediating Effect of Depression

Abstract

Consistent with the theoretical propositions of general strain theory (GST), abuse from parents and negative school experiences have been demonstrated as primary strain sources of female adolescents, which make them engage in delinquency to cope with their strains and negative emotions. However, limited research has examined the pathway of these relationships by considering the mediating role of depression as predicted from the GST perspective. Thus, this study attempted to examine the association between parental abuse, negative school experiences, depressive emotional state, and substance use of female adolescents. Using data from the Korea Child and Youth Panel Survey (KCYPS), structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to assess if depression mediates the effect of strain on female adolescents’ substance use. Results indicated a significant influence of parental abuse and negative school experiences on female adolescents’ depression. In terms of mediating role of depression, the effects of parental abuse and negative relationship with teachers on female adolescents’ substance use were mediated by depression, while the effect of learning-relevant strain was partially mediated. The implications not only for the theoretical framework of GST but also for prevention programs were suggested.