Engagement In Risky Behaviors Research Articles

Alliance rupture and repair in adolescent psychotherapy: What clinicians can learn from research.

The collaborative relationship between a client and therapist, known as the therapeutic alliance, plays an important part in promoting engagement and symptom improvement in adolescent psychotherapy. However, research indicates that alliance strains, called ruptures, are common among this age group, emphasizing the importance of addressing and resolving them for enhanced engagement and better outcomes. Despite this, there is a dearth of age-specific guidelines for effectively fostering a positive alliance and repairing these ruptures. This review examines existing literature to (a) summarize the current understanding of alliance formation in youth psychotherapy, particularly considering the distinct characteristics of working with adolescents, and (b) provide evidence-based recommendations to assist youth therapists in building strong alliances and effectively addressing alliance ruptures with this age group. Existing evidence indicates that while guidance designed for adult therapy can be beneficial, working with adolescents poses unique challenges. These include resistance to treatment, engagement in risky behaviors, confidentiality issues, and parental involvement, which can strain the therapeutic relationship. This emphasizes the importance for youth therapists to understand the unique challenges and developmental stages adolescents face and to adapt their approach accordingly. By doing so, therapists can effectively address the needs of adolescents, fostering a strong alliance and handling any ruptures that may arise. Despite being a relatively new area of study with its inherent limitations, this review underscores the critical role of alliance research in improving therapy for adolescents and guiding the training of therapists who work with this age group. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Sensation Seeking and Impulsivity Among Young Adults: Predictors of Risky Behavior

Abstract: This study examines the relationship between sensation seeking, impulsivity, and engagement in risky behaviors among young adults. 220 individuals, aged 18 to 25, filled out self-report questionnaires measuring their , sensation seeking (Brief Sensation Seeking Scale), impulsivity (Barratt Impulsiveness Scale), and risky behavior engagement (Risk Taking Questionnaire). Correlation analysis and Regression were used to examine the predictive power of impulsivity and sensation seeking for engaging in risky behavior. Mann Whitney U Test was conducted to check the gender differences in sensation seeking and impulsivity. The results show strong positive associations between sensation seeking, impulsivity, and engaging in risky behaviors. Among young adults, sensation seeking and impulsivity are important predictors of engaging in risky behavior. indicating that a higher levels of sensation seeking and impulsivity is associated with a greater chance of young people engaging in risky behaviors. In contrast to females, males were more inclined to seek out sensations. Impulsivity, however, didn't show any apparent gender differences among Young Adults. These findings highlight the importance of understanding how personality factors influence behavior and provide guidance for focused interventions meant to lower risky behaviors in this population.

Life in the fast lane: the role of temporal processing in risk-taking behaviors

An existing theoretical framework proposes that aberrant temporal processing and a fast internal clock, denoted by overestimation and under-reproduction of time, increases the likelihood of engagement in risky behaviors (ERB). The primary aim of this project was to improve our understanding of the relationship between temporal processing and ERB in college students. The present study used the Wittmann and Paulus (2008) theoretical framework to examine the associations between temporal processing and ERB in college students. College student participants (N = 215) completed self-report measures of ERB, delay aversion, inhibitory control, ADHD symptoms and objective cognitive time estimation and time reproduction tasks. Time estimation accuracy was significantly associated with lower engagement in sexual risk behaviors (OR = .988; 95% CI: .979, .996; p = .006) and aggressive behaviors (OR = .989; 95% CI: .980, .998; p = .018). Time reproduction was not significantly associated with ERB. The present study established preliminary support for the associations between aberrant temporal processing, namely aberrant time estimation, and ERB among college students.

How do perceptions of others’ approval of, and engagement in, hand-held phone use influence young drivers? A mixed-method study

Engagement in hand-held phone use while driving is a prevalent issue among young drivers. Therefore, it is important to identify contributors to the behaviour. Social Norm Theory suggests that the perceptions of others’ approval of, and engagement in, a behaviour can influence one’s own engagement in the same behaviour. These perceptions can result in increased engagement in risky behaviours if they are over- or under- estimated. The current study implemented a mixed-method design to explore young drivers’ perceptions regarding their peers’/friends’ approval of, and engagement in, hand-held phone use while driving, and to identify the relative influence of perceived social norms on hand-held phone use while driving among young drivers. Overall, 510 young drivers completed a survey and 30 young drivers participated in interviews. Surveys and interviews questioned participants opinions on their own and others (peers and friends) approval of, and engagement in, hand-held phone use while driving. Quantitative results indicated that young drivers believe others approve of, and engage in, hand-held phone use while driving more than themselves. Perceived social norms significantly predicted increasing engagement in hand-held phone use while driving, however the magnitude of the effects were very small. Qualitative data provided a richer understanding of the topic, suggesting that the effects may be larger in certain groups who are particularly influenced by their peers/friends. Implications for future research are discussed with particular focus on exploring the use of a social norm approach in realigning perceptions of others approval of, and engagement in, hand-held phone use while driving.

The Lived Experiences of African American Women in Natural Recovery: Re-Envisioning the Role of Counselors

AbstractRecovery from substance misuse is complex and requires an individual’s desire and readiness for change. Specifically, for African Americans, additional factors such as social equity and access to culturally responsive treatments can complicate the recovery process. In this secondary analysis of a transcendental qualitative phenomenological study, researchers explored how eight African-American women navigated their change process in natural recovery. Researchers identified the following emergent themes: (a) focused on the drug; (b) engagement in risky behavior; (c) desire to be free; (d) Damascus Road experience; (e) plea to higher power; (d) geographical cure; (e) self-liberation in commitment; and (f) new associations. Findings are conceptualized through the Transtheoretical Model framework. Implications emphasize the importance of counselors’ outreach role in their communities.

Co-occurrence of and factors associated with health risk behaviors among adolescents: a multi-center study in sub-Saharan Africa, China, and India

Despite lifelong and detrimental effects, the co-occurrence of health risk behaviors (HRBs) during adolescence remains understudied in low- and middle-income countries. This study examines the co-occurrence of HRBs and its correlates among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa, China, and India. A multi-country cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021-2022, involving 9697 adolescents (aged 10-19 years) from eight countries, namely Burkina Faso, China, Ethiopia, India, Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda. A standardized questionnaire was administered to examine five types of HRBs-physical inactivity, poor dietary habits, smoking, alcohol consumption, and risky sexual behavior. Latent class analysis was employed to identify clustering patterns among the behaviors, and logistic regression was used to identify the correlates of these patterns. Three clusters of HRBs were identified, with Cluster 1 (27.73%) characterized by the absence of any specific risky behavior, Cluster 2 (68.16%) characterized by co-occurrence of physical inactivity and poor dietary habits, and Cluster 3 (4.11%) characterized by engagement in smoking, alcohol consumption, and risky sexual behavior. Relative to Cluster 1, being in Cluster 2 was associated with being female (aOR 1.20, 95% CI 1.09-1.32), not enrolled in education (aOR 0.84, 95% CI 0.71-0.99), and not engaged in paid work (aOR 1.23, 95% CI 1.08-1.41). Compared with those Cluster 1, adolescents in Cluster 3 were less likely to be female (aOR 0.41, 95% CI 0.32-0.54), be engaged in paid work (aOR 0.54, 95% CI 0.41-0.71), more likely to be older (aOR 7.56, 95% CI 5.18-11.03), not be enrolled in educational institution (aOR 1.74, 95% CI 1.27-2.38), and more likely to live with guardians other than parents (aOR 1.56, 95% CI 1.19-2.05). The significant clustering patterns of HRBs among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa, China, and India highlights the urgent need for convergent approaches to improve adolescent health behaviors. Early life and school-based programs aimed at promoting healthy behaviors and preventing risky and unhealthy behaviors should be prioritized to equip adolescents with the tools and skills for lifelong well-being. Fondation Botnar (Grant #INV-037672) and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, partially funded this study.

Emotional reactivity linking assaultive trauma and risky behavior: Evidence of differences between cisgender women and men.

Accumulating evidence suggests that trauma exposure is positively associated with future engagement in risky behavior, such as substance misuse, aggression, risky sex, and self-harm. However, the psychological factors driving this association and their relevance across gender groups require further clarification. In a community sample of 375 adults with a high rate of trauma exposure (age range: 18-55 years, M = 32.98 years, SD = 10.64; 76.3% assaultive trauma exposure), we examined whether emotional reactivity linked lifetime assaultive trauma exposure with past-month risky behavior. We also explored whether this model differed for cisgender women (n = 178, 47.6%) and men (n = 197, 52.5%). As hypothesized, assaultive trauma was positively related to emotional reactivity, β =.20, SE = 0.03, t(369) = 3.65, p <.001, which, in turn, partially accounted for the association between assaultive trauma and past-month risky behavior, indirect effect: β =.03, SE = 0.01, 95% bootstrapped CI [0.01, 0.06]. Gender moderated this association such that assaultive trauma was indirectly associated with risky behavior via emotional reactivity for women but not for men, index moderation: B = -0.03, SE = 0.02, 95% bootstrapped CI [-0.07, -0.01]. Cross-sectional results suggest that emotional reactivity may be a proximal target for clinical intervention to aid in the reduction of risky behavior among women.

Interplay Among Self-Regulation Processes Over Time for Adolescents in the Context of Chronic Stress

ABSTRACT Developmental changes in self-regulation are theorized to underlie adolescents’ engagement in risky behaviors, physical health, mental health, and transition to adulthood. Two central processes involved in self-regulation, self-management (i.e. planning, concentration, and problem-solving) and disinhibition (e.g. distractibility and impulsivity) appear to develop asynchronously and may be differentially activated based on contextual factors. Using a sample identified based on exposure to chronic stressors, we investigated how changes in self-management and disinhibition affect each other over time and whether these changes occur differently for boys and girls. Youth aged 8–16 (N = 708) who attended a U.S. summer camp self-reported on components of disinhibition and self-management. Cross-lagged structural equation modeling revealed a reciprocal relationship between self-management and disinhibition, with anger coping and distractibility emerging as critical factors in shaping this relationship. Changes in concentration, planning, and problem-solving were components of self-management that drove subsequent changes in boys’ disinhibition (for girls, however, planning did not). Autocorrelations for both broad processes remained strong from year to year, indicating a high degree of stability in rank order despite the myriad of physical, cognitive and socioemotional changes that occur during adolescence. We discuss implications of the reciprocal model with a focus on the relative pliability of components from each process and strategies for shaping them. Planning, concentration and distractibility are highlighted as potential targets for intervention.

Are individual differences in loss aversion related to ADHD symptomatology?

Loss aversion, or the greater sensitivity to losses than equivalent gains, has been shown to vary across individuals, but has yet to be thoroughly examined in relation to Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptomatology. Examining factors related to decision-making in ADHD has important implications for interventions as well as understanding engagement in risky behavior. Undergraduates (N = 98; 73% women) completed questionnaires measuring ADHD symptomatology, loss aversion, and gambling preference as well as the Balloon Analog Risk Task. Individuals with high ADHD symptomatology (n = 50) were less loss averse than those low in symptomatology, even after controlling for individual differences in risk taking and gambling preference. Inattention symptoms were not related to loss aversion after controlling for hyperactivity/impulsivity, risk taking, and gambling preference. Greater hyperactivity/impulsivity was related to less loss aversion, even after covariates were controlled. It is unclear if group differences were the result of reduced sensitivity to losses, increased attraction to gains, or both. Future research should examine if reduced loss aversion in those with high ADHD symptomatology replicates using other decision-making paradigms and whether or not loss aversion mediates the relationship between ADHD and risk-taking behavior.

Path analysis of adolescents’ reproductive health education on college students’ sexual behavior

Young people are vulnerable to reproductive health (RH) problems due to their engagement in risky sexual behavior. Study of adolescents’ RH education effects on the behavior of the young will add evidence about aspects that directly/indirectly affect the behavior. This study intended to explore the influence of adolescents’ RH education and other associated factors on college students’ sexual behavior using path analysis. A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to Mei 2021 in Solo Raya Residency, Central Java, Indonesia. A sample of 20-24 years old college students from public dan two private universities (n=375) participated. An online questionnaire was used to collect the data. Path analysis was conducted to identify relationships between variables. Path analysis demonstrated that sexual behavior was directly affected by age and pornography access, regardless the gender. Even though factors that influenced sexual behavior differed among female and male students, RH education was proved to indirectly influence sexual behavior irrespective the gender. Overall, sexual behavior was influenced by RH education in the complex mechanism. Improving the information delivery of RH education is needed to ensure all youth, irrespective of gender, benefit from this program. Further study in a more significant setting in Indonesia is required.

Smart library utilization strategy to enhance teachers' reading interest in elementary schools

Reading is a crucial tool for unlocking the gateway to knowledge and plays a vital role in personal development. Engaging in reading allows individuals to refine comprehension skills from various angles, preventing engagement in risky behaviors due to a lack of knowledge. In educational settings, students look to their teachers for guidance and inspiration, including setting an example through reading books. Despite quality libraries and literacy programs, student interest in reading may not reach its full potential if teachers fail to act as reading role models. Unfortunately, enthusiasm for reading among teachers in Indonesia remains low. This research aims to uncover the availability of reading media in elementary schools utilizing the e-Library application (Smart Library). It focuses on the design of a reading media utilization program and the strategic implementation to enhance teachers' reading interest. Additionally, the research evaluates the impact of this media and program on teachers. A descriptive qualitative approach is employed, with research subjects from elementary schools in Bandung using Smart Library. Data collection techniques include observation, interviews, and documentation. Findings reveal the Smart Library Utilization Strategy Model to Increase Teachers' Reading Interest in Elementary Schools, comprising four steps: (1) Schools should provide comfortable reading media meeting teachers' needs, digital and physical; (2) School principals must design an innovative and diverse reading media utilization program to effectively enhance teachers' reading interest; (3) Implementation should proceed through strategic steps, from socialization to appreciation; and (4) Regular evaluation of teachers' reading interest improvement is essential to assess quality and identify factors influencing it.

Exploring parental attachment, perceived social support, theory of planned behaviour and the safe driving of young people

Few studies have investigated psychosocial influences on the safe (as opposed to risky) driving behaviours of young people. In addition, there has been little consideration of interpersonal factors such as attachment between parents and children in this context. Examination of these factors is warranted given the overrepresentation of young drivers in crashes; that engagement and non-engagement in both proactive safe and risky behaviours are conceptually different; and that parents are commonly the main driving supervisor when young people learn to drive. The study was underpinned by the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), which was extended with attachment theory, perceived social support, and descriptive norms. Predictors of safe driving intentions and self-reported safe driving behaviours were explored with a sample of provisionally licensed drivers aged 17–20 years from Queensland, Australia. Three scenarios were investigated where safe driving was examined in general (N = 209) and in relation to driving in two common driving situations: stormy/raining conditions (N = 213) and on the highway (N = 199). Participants completed an online survey measuring attitude, subjective norms, Perceived Behavioural Control, and intentions from the TPB, as well as descriptive norms, attachment avoidance and anxiety, and perceived social support (emotional, instrumental, informational, appraisal) for safe driving. Two weeks later, a subsample (n = 66) completed a second survey asking them to report their behavioural opportunity and engagement in general safe driving, and the two safe driving situations. Hierarchical multiple regressions were conducted to investigate safe driving intentions. PBC and attitude were consistent significant predictors of intentions. Subjective norms predicted intention in the two driving situations but not in general safe driving. Informational support was a significant predictor of intention for general safe driving. Attachment avoidance and anxiety did not significantly predict intentions in any scenario. However, there may be benefit in investigating the action of attachment style on safe driving intentions via parental modelling. Parental modelling was a significant predictor of general safe driving intentions and may be related to attachment style. Due to participant attrition, investigation of self-reported safe driving behaviours was confined to bivariate correlations with intentions and PBC, with no significant correlations found. The findings suggest that TPB factors including PBC, attitudes and subjective norms may be important determinants of intentions for safe driving of young novice drivers. These findings could be used to inform development of road safety inventions such as media campaigns and demonstrate the value of further attention to safety versus risky behaviours in driving research.

Self-Control Depletion, Frustration Tolerance, Irritability, and Engagement in Risky Behaviors in College Students With and Without Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Risk

College students with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often have poor self-control, low frustration tolerance (FT), and associated irritability. These features are associated with engagement in risky behaviors (ERBs). The Self-Control Strength Model (SCSM) was used to examine relationships between ADHD symptoms, FT, irritability, and self-control resource depletion and associations with ERBs in 247 college students randomized into depletion/non-depletion groups. Participants completed state and trait measures and two experimental tasks: the Stroop Color-Word Task to deplete resources, and the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task (Computerized) to induce frustration and measure frustration tolerance. Linear and logistic regressions were used to analyze associations, and demonstrated that ADHD symptoms and FT were positively associated with several ERBs. However, due to failure of the Stroop to adequately deplete self-control resources, the SCSM cannot be fully analyzed. Ultimately, these results provide additional support for positive associations between ADHD symptoms, state irritability, and ERB in college students.

Family factors and offline/online risk behaviors among South Korean adolescents: A multidimensional approach using latent profile analysis

The family is a crucial ecological system that shapes adolescent risk behaviors in many ways. However, existing studies have mostly focused on how selective family variables are linked to adolescent’s engagement in risky behavior rather than considering a comprehensive set of family domains. Although new forms of risky behaviors via technical devices are prevalent among adolescents, the relationship between online risk behaviors and family factors has not been fully investigated. In response to these research gaps, the current study aimed to (1) investigate the latent profiles of family characteristics as represented by four domains (parent–adolescent relationship, socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, parental psychological well-being, and family smartphone use); and (2) examine features of latent family profiles most associated with adolescent offline and online risk behaviors. Data were drawn from the second wave of the Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey (KCYPS) (N = 2,197), which is nationally representative of South Korean middle school students. A total of eighteen family indicators were used in the latent profile analysis. Five heterogeneous subgroups of unique family experiences emerged: low perceived socioeconomic status (SES), poor family environment, high-quality and low-quantity parenting, high perceived SES, and positive parent–youth relationship. Results from logistic regression suggested that the poor family environment group had the highest risk of engaging in both types of risk behaviors. The findings lend support for adapting a comprehensive approach in addressing various dimensions of family needs and provide insight for future intervention programs and services.

The Differential Experience of COVID-19 on Asian American Subgroups: The Los Angeles Pandemic Surveillance Cohort Study.

Data from Asian Americans (AsA) are commonly aggregated in research studies and reporting, obscuring the significant differences across AsA subgroups. We investigated the differential experience of AsA subgroups in COVID-19 testing, vaccination, engagement in risky and protective behaviors and mental health status against this infectious disease. We surveyed a representative sample of the Los Angeles County population (N = 5500) in April 2021 as part of the Los Angeles Pandemic Surveillance Cohort Study and focused on participants who self-identified as AsA (N = 756). There were significant differences across the AsA subgroups, with Koreans, Asian Indians, and Other Asians living in areas with higher COVID-19 mortality rates, and Asian Indians demonstrating the lowest proportion of COVID-19 vaccination. Vietnamese and Koreans had a higher proportion of becoming unemployed during the pandemic. Although the AsA sample on average demonstrated better outcomes than other racial and ethnic groups, the apparent advantages were heterogenous and due to specific subgroups of AsAs rather than AsAs as a whole. The observed differences in COVID-19 measures across AsA subgroups underscore the need to disaggregate AsA data to identify and reduce existing disparities.

Children's ethnic-racial identity and mothers' cultural socialization as protective in relations between sociocultural risk factors and children's internalizing behaviors.

The present study examined whether sociocultural risk factors (i.e., mothers' risky behaviors, mothers' and grandmothers' ethnic discrimination, and family economic hardship) predicted children's internalizing behaviors. We also tested whether sociocultural protective factors, including children's positive ethnic-racial identity (ERI) attitudes and mothers' cultural socialization, moderated relations. Participants were 182 5-year-old Mexican-origin children, their mothers, and grandmothers. Findings indicated that children's positive ERI attitudes were protective, such that grandmothers' discrimination predicted children's greater internalizing at low levels of children's positive ERI attitudes, but this relation was not significant at high levels of children's positive ERI attitudes. Mothers' cultural socialization was also protective, such that mothers' risky behaviors predicted children's greater internalizing at low levels of mothers' cultural socialization, but this relation was not significant at high levels of mothers' cultural socialization. Economic hardship predicted children's greater internalizing and no variables moderated this relation. Findings highlight that mothers' engagement in risky behaviors, grandmothers' ethnic discrimination experiences, and family economic hardship contribute to children's greater internalizing behaviors. However, in some of these relations, children's positive ERI attitudes and mothers' cultural socialization are protective. In future research and programming, a consideration of the role of individual, family, and cultural factors will be important for addressing and reducing children's internalizing behaviors. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Negative Effect of Pop Culture on Youth

This research paper examines the negative impact of pop culture on the youth, focusing on the diverse mediums and forms of media that dominate contemporary society. Pop culture, encompassing music, films, television shows, social media platforms, and other popular forms of entertainment, has an undeniable influence on young minds. While pop culture may seem harmless and entertaining, its effects on youth can be far-reaching, shaping their beliefs, values, behaviors, and overall well-being. This study aims to explore the multifaceted ways in which pop culture can have detrimental consequences for the youth, including its potential to promote materialism, reinforce harmful stereotypes, encourage risky behaviors, and contribute to the erosion of critical thinking and individuality. By critically analyzing the negative impact of pop culture on youth, this research seeks to raise awareness and provide insights into developing strategies and interventions to mitigate its adverse effects and promote a more balanced and constructive media landscape for the younger generation. effects of pop culture on youth is of paramount significance in today's society. As pop culture continues to permeate various aspects of young individuals' lives, it becomes crucial to explore the consequences it may have on their development, well-being, and future trajectories. Pop culture has the potential to influence youth engagement in risky behaviors, such as substance abuse, unsafe sexual practices, and violence. By examining these negative effects, this research can inform preventive interventions, health education programs, and policy initiatives aimed at mitigating the risks associated with pop culture exposure This research significantly contributes to the ongoing discourse on the negative effects of pop culture on youth. By providing a deeper understanding of these effects, it aims to inform stakeholders and guide the development of interventions, policies, and educational initiatives to mitigate the adverse consequences and promote the well-being and healthy development of young individuals in today's media-saturated world. In this research we will be using SPSS software. Pop culture subject youth to substance abuse and drug experimentation Pop culture trends contribute to body dissatisfaction among youth Portrayal of violence and aggression in popular culture contributes to aggressive behavior. The overemphasis on social media and constant need for validation through likes and followers influence the mental health and well-being of young people. The portrayal of substance abusers and drug use in popular culture impacts the attitude and behavior of young people towards drug experimentation and addiction. Pop-culture plays a role in promoting unhealthy eating habits, such as the consumption of fast food and sugary drinks, among young individuals. As per the SPSS Analysis we get to know that in Reliability Statistics Cronbach’s Alpha is 0.864, Cranach’s Alpha Based on Standardized Items is 0.866and Number of Items is 6. From the above results I conclude that in Reliability Statistics Cronbach’s Alpha are 0.864, Cranach’s Alpha Based on Standardized Items is 0.866 and Number of Items is 6.

Beauty, underage drinking, and adolescent risky behaviours

Physically attractive individuals experience a range of advantages in adulthood including higher earnings; yet, how attractiveness influences earlier consequential decisions is not well understood. This paper estimates the effect of attractiveness on engagement in risky behaviours in adolescence. We find marked effects across a range of risky behaviours with notable contrasts. Attractive adolescents are more likely to engage in drinking; the gap between attractive and unattractive adolescents in terms of propensity to drink constitutes about 15% of the baseline mean. In contrast, more attractive adolescents are less likely to smoke, use drugs, or practice unprotected sex. Investigation into the underlying channels reveals that physically attractive adolescents are more popular, and have higher self-esteem and personality attractiveness. Popularity leads to a higher likelihood of engagement in “cool” risky behaviours and a lower likelihood for “uncool” behaviours, while self-esteem and personality generally predict a lower likelihood of engaging in all risky behaviours. Our findings suggest physical attractiveness in adolescence carries long-lasting consequences over the life course.

Associations between individual hallucinogens and hallucinogen misuse among U.S. Adults who recently initiated hallucinogen use

Hallucinogen dependence and abuse are DSM-IV diagnoses that are associated with significant morbidity, yet the specific hallucinogens that are most strongly linked to dependence and abuse are understudied. We used recent data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2015–2020) and multivariable logistic regression to test the relationships that lifetime use of seven individual hallucinogens (MDMA/ecstasy, PCP, ketamine, psilocybin, LSD, peyote, and mescaline) shares with hallucinogen dependence and abuse among individuals who initiated hallucinogen use within the past two years (N = 5,252). We controlled for various demographic factors (sex, age, race/ethnicity, educational attainment, self-reported engagement in risky behavior, annual household income, marital status) and lifetime use of various substances. Lifetime PCP use was associated with increased odds of hallucinogen dependence or abuse (aOR [95% CI]: 6.27 [1.51, 26.0]). Additionally, PCP increased the odds of three main hallucinogen dependence and abuse criteria measures (aOR [95% CI]: 4.45 [1.11, 17.8], 5.58 [1.42, 22.0], and 7.01 [1.87, 26.3]). LSD conferred increased odds of two criteria (aOR: 2.33 [1.37, 3.98] and 2.53 [1.48, 4.33]), while ketamine and mescaline each conferred increased odds of one criterion (aOR: 2.12 [1.03, 4.39]; 5.39 [1.05, 27.7]). Future longitudinal studies and Bayesian statistical analyses can further assess the relationships between hallucinogens and disordered hallucinogen use.

Non-prescribed pharmaceutical stimulants use among adolescents: A way to self-care or peer success?

Backgroundthe use of pharmaceutical stimulants without a medical prescription (PSWMP) among adolescents is considered an established public health issue. The present study aimed to investigate the potential links between different patterns of non-medical use of pharmaceutical stimulants, psycho-social factors, and other risky behaviours (e.g. psychoactive substance use). MethodsFor this purpose, data from a sample of 14,685 adolescents aged 15–19 participating in the ESPAD®Italia 2019 study were analysed by conducting descriptive analyses and multinomial logistic regressions. ResultsThe findings highlight the key role of psycho-social factors and engagement in other risky behaviours in either reducing or promoting the risk of PSWMP use. Particularly, being satisfied with peer relationships and with oneself is significantly associated with lower use of PSWMP. Conversely, the consumption of other psychoactive substances (both legal and illegal) and engagement in other risky behaviours (e.g., gambling and cyberbullying) may increase this phenomenon. ConclusionsConsidering their representativeness, the results of the present study could be used as groundwork for the development of effective and targeted prevention programs and interventions.