Substance Use Risk Profile Scale Research Articles

Is Anxiety Sensitivity Associated with COVID-19 Related Distress and Adherence among Emerging Adults?

We investigated whether anxiety sensitivity (AS) is associated with increased distress and adherence to public health guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic among undergraduates, and whether increased distress mediates the relationship between AS and increased adherence. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted with 1318 first- and second-year undergraduates (mean age of 19.2 years; 79.5% females) from five Canadian universities. Relevant subscales of the Substance Use Risk Profile Scale (SURPS) and the Big Five Inventory-10 (BFI-10) were used to assess AS and neuroticism. Three measures tapped distress: the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for depressive symptoms, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) for anxiety symptoms, and the Brief COVID-19 Stress Scales (CSS-B) for COVID-19-specific distress. The COVID-19 Adherence scale (CAD) assessed adherence to COVID-19 containment measures. AS was significantly independently associated with higher general distress (both anxiety and depressive symptoms) and higher COVID-19-specific distress, after controlling age, sex, study site, and neuroticism. Moreover, AS indirectly predicted greater adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures through higher COVID-19-specific distress. Interventions targeting higher AS might be helpful for decreasing both general and COVID-19-specific distress, whereas interventions targeting lower AS might be helpful for increasing adherence to public health containment strategies, in undergraduates.

The role of self-discontentment and impulsivity for youth smoking behavior, nicotine dependence and future smoking intention in a clinical sample of Turkish adolescents.

Smoking is one of the most important public health problems among young people. Potential risk factors that may cause vulnerability to smoke in youth should be well known and investigated. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the associations of current smoking behavior and future smoking intention with high-risk personality traits for substance abuse in a clinical sample of Turkish adolescents, and also evaluate nicotine dependence and smoking characteristics with the personality traits in a subsample of regular smokers. A cross-sectional study was adopted in which 196 participants took part (aged 14-18 years with a mean of 16.7 years). The assessment consisted of a sociodemographic questionnaire that also questions current smoking behavior and future smoking intention; and additionally, two self-administered instruments including the Substance Use Risk Profile Scale (SURPS) for all participants, and Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) for only regular smokers. Regular smokers scored higher than never smokers on the lack of self-contentment subscale of SURPS (F(2)=3.30, p=.039). Future smoking intention was found to be associated with nicotine dependence (F(3)=6.67, p=.001). Regular smokers with high levels of nicotine dependence had higher levels of impulsivity and smoked more cigarettes per day than those with low levels of nicotine dependence (t=2.489, p=.017; and t=3.530, p=.001, respectively). The structural equation models (SEM) were created based on these results and the personality theory for substance abuse. The SEM results showed that the first evidence that lack of selfcontentment positively influences regularly smoking behavior and impulsivity positively influences future smoking intention through nicotine dependence. Lack of self-contentment and impulsivity may mediate the transition from current smoking behavior to future tobacco use disorders in Turkish adolescents. The assessment and intervention of selfdiscontentment and impulsivity can be beneficial in reducing the current smoking behavior in Turkish adolescents.

1.6 Personality Profiles Associated With the Risk of Substance Use and Psychiatric Symptoms in Adolescents Living in Vulnerable Contexts

Four personality risk profiles have been related to higher risk of substance misuse and mental health disorders among general populations of adolescents: impulsivity (IMP), sensation seeking (SS), hopelessness (HOP), and anxiety sensitivity (AS). Based on these previous findings, we tested the hypotheses that, in adolescents living in vulnerable contexts: 1) the 2 internalizing personality profiles (HOP, AS) would be related to internalizing symptoms (depressive, anxiety) and PTSD and complex-PTSD, whereas, 2 externalizing personality profiles (SS, IMP) would be related to externalizing symptoms (conduct, hyperactivity/inattentive); and 2) all personality profiles would be related to frequencies of alcohol and cannabis use and binge drinking. Participants were 62 adolescents (52% female; Mean age = 16.07 years) temporarily residing at 8 different youth protection units across the City of Montreal. Adolescents were assessed using the Substance Use Risk Profile Scale (SURPS) for 4 personality profiles and other self-report questionnaires for past-year substance use and mental health disorders. Univariate regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between 4 types of personality profiles, when simultaneously entered in the model, and each outcome. Over and above other personality risk profiles: higher AS, HOP, and SS were related to higher internalizing symptoms (t = 3.33, p < 0.01; t = 4.22, p < 0.001; t = 2.02, p < 0.05, respectively), whereas higher IMP was associated with higher externalizing symptoms (t = 5.00, p < 0.001). HOP was positively associated with complex-PTSD (β = 1.24; p < 0.05) and higher frequencies of alcohol (t = 2.13; p < 0.05) and cannabis (t = 2.28; p < 0.05) use. SS was positively related to binge drinking (t = 2.37; p < 0.05). The present study replicated some of the prior findings regarding the associations of personality profiles and risk of specific mental illness symptoms/disorders and additionally highlighted the role of HOP in the risk of substance misuse in adolescents living in vulnerable contexts. Efforts to reduce such risk in this population might benefit from personality-targeted interventions, which have been shown to prevent substance misuse and mental illness symptoms in students attending mainstream high schools.

Evaluation of the Substance Use Risk Profile Scale (SURPS) in a Recreational Video Game Playing Population

Evaluation of the Substance Use Risk Profile Scale (SURPS) in a Recreational Video Game Playing Population

Associations between autonomic nervous system activity and risk-taking and internalizing behavior in young adolescents.

Dysregulated autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity has been associated with adolescent risk‐taking and internalizing behavior, but previous results in community samples have been mixed. We investigated whether ANS activity was associated with higher risk‐taking and internalizing behavior in young adolescents (age 11/12; n = 875), and whether adolescents' gender, parents' parenting style or a combination of both moderated these associations. Adolescents and their parents were recruited as part of the population‐based, longitudinal Amsterdam Born Children and their Development (ABCD) study. Risk‐taking behavior was assessed with the Balloon Analogue Risk Task and the personality characteristics sensation seeking and impulsivity, measured with the Substance Use Risk Profile Scale (SURPS). Internalizing behavior was assessed via the SURPS subscales anxiety sensitivity and hopelessness. Authoritative (AUTH‐SW) and authoritarian (AUTH‐S) parenting styles were measured with the Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire. Resting ANS activity was assessed via heart rate and respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA). Hierarchical, multivariable regression analyses showed higher RSA, but not heart rate, being associated with higher risk‐taking behavior and sensation seeking. The associations between ANS activity and risk‐taking variables were not significantly moderated by gender, parenting, or interactions between gender and parenting. Our findings suggest that RSA activity may be a relevant factor in mild to moderate risk‐taking behavior in adolescents from the general population, regardless of their gender or the type of parenting they experience.

Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG) Player Profiles: Exploring Player’s Motives Predicting Internet Addiction Disorder

Background: Due to the increasing spread of massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) and their addictive potential, scholars assert that understanding the factors underpinning Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is crucial, considering the psychopathological classification. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the motives predicting IGD in MMORPG players with different personality risk profiles. Materials and Methods: An online survey was conducted among 202 MMORPG players (mean age = 27.85 years, SD = 6.49). A cluster analysis was performed to classify the samples, according to the substance use risk profile scale (SURPS), distinguishing a sensation seeking (SS) group from a group prone to negative emotions (PNE), including anxiety, hopelessness, and impulsivity. Also, the gaming motives, which were determined using the Motives for Online Gaming Questionnaire (MOGQ), were considered as independent variables in analyses. The regression analyses indicated different combinations of gaming motives, predisposing the two groups to IGD. Results: The escapism motive and male gender were the main risk factors for SS players, whereas the sociability motive predicted addiction tendencies in the PNE group. Also, the competition motive was a strong predictor of IGD in both groups; this motive was found to be associated with the male gender and the specific game genre. Moreover, the PNE players were significantly more addicted to MMORPGs and were less satisfied with their life, compared to the SS group. Conclusions: Based on the present results, clustering gamers in terms of personality traits allowed us to understand the mechanisms underlying IGD for overcoming a reductive approach, which considers MMORPG players as a uniform group.

The Network Constellation of Personality and Substance Use: Evolution from Early to Late Adolescence

There is a well–established link between substance use and four personality traits of anxiety–sensitivity, hopelessness, impulsivity, and sensation–seeking. However, construct–level models of personality may conceal indicator–level personality–outcome associations. The current study aims to investigate evolution of the network constellation of personality and cannabis/alcohol use from early to late adolescence. Data comes from the longitudinal Co–Venture cohort (N = 3800). Personality indicators, measured by Substance Use Risk Profile Scale (SURPS) items, and the frequency of cannabis/alcohol use were assessed at four consecutive years (13–17 years old). Network constellations of the SURPS items and cannabis/alcohol use were estimated using Bayesian Gaussian graphical models at four time points. Results highlighted the age–specific associations between personality indicators and substance use. The positive role of the sensation–seeking trait (e.g. attitude towards transgression) was constant, whereas the positive role of hopelessness indicators (e.g. not being enthusiastic about future) and the negative role of anxiety–sensitivity indicators (e.g. fear of having unusual body sensations) were more prominent at early adolescence. The current study provides a novel perspective on the network structure of personality and substance use in adolescence and suggests substance–specific and age–adjusted targets in intervention efforts. © 2020 European Association of Personality Psychology

Validation of the Substance Use Risk Profile Scale in Lithuanian population

BackgroundPersonality traits are related with risk of hazardous alcohol use and alcohol dependence. The Substance Use Risk Profile Scale (SURPS) measures personality traits associated with addictive substance abuse. We examined psychometric properties of the SURPS in Lithuanian population.Materials and methodsTwo hundred forty-seven participants (mean age 37.22 ± 0.78 years), were recruited from the local community and from an inpatient addiction treatment centre. Internal consistency, stability, factor structure, content validity, and external validity of the SURPS were examined. Hazardous alcohol use was evaluated by Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT). Alcohol dependence diagnosis was established by International Classification of Diseases - 10 (ICD - 10). We also performed gender analyses for associations of personality traits with alcohol dependence and hazardous use of alcohol.ResultsThe SURPS scale demonstrated appropriate internal validity, good temporal stability, and adequate criterion validity and construct validity. The SURPS scores of hopelessness, anxiety sensitivity and impulsivity were higher in the alcohol dependence group than in the control group for both males and females. Impulsivity and sensation seeking were associated with hazardous alcohol use and these associations were more prevalent in females.ConclusionsLithuanian translation of the SURPS scale was appropriate. The SURPS demonstrated good sensitivity for discriminating on alcohol dependence and was more sensitive for discriminating on hazardous alcohol use for females.

Psychometric Qualities of the Dutch Version of the Substance Use Risk Profile Scale Adapted for Individuals with Mild Intellectual Disabilities and Borderline Intellectual Functioning

ABSTRACT Introduction Personality traits may predict the use of substances in individuals with mild intellectual disabilities (MID) or borderline intellectual functioning (BIF). The Dutch version of the Substance Use Risk Profile Scale (SURPS), adapted for this population, was tested on its psychometric properties. Method Individuals with MID or BIF (IQ 50–85; N = 91) were recruited via disability care facilities or addiction treatment centers in the Netherlands. Reliability and validity was assessed with confirmatory factor analyses, internal consistency, and correlational analyses. Results The original four-factor structure of the SURPS was supported. Criterion validity was partially supported by associations between substance use and three subscales, and moderation analyses confirmed that these findings are independent of IQ status (MID vs. BIF). Conclusion The Dutch version of the SURPS adapted for individuals with MID-BIF has adequate psychometric properties, and seems suitable for research both within samples of individuals with MID and individuals with BIF.

Extra-striatal D2/3 receptor availability in youth at risk for addiction

The neurobiological traits that confer risk for addictions remain poorly understood. However, dopaminergic function throughout the prefrontal cortex, limbic system, and upper brainstem has been implicated in behavioral features that influence addiction vulnerability, including poor impulse control, and altered sensitivity to rewards and punishments (i.e., externalizing features). To test these associations in humans, we measured type-2/3 dopamine receptor (DA2/3R) availability in youth at high vs. low risk for substance use disorders (SUDs). In this study, N = 58 youth (18.5 ± 0.6 years) were recruited from cohorts that have been followed since birth. Participants with either high (high EXT; N = 27; 16 F/11 M) or low pre-existing externalizing traits (low EXT; N = 31; 20 F/11 M) underwent a 90-min positron emission tomography [18F]fallypride scan, and completed the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11), Substance Use Risk Profile scale (SURPS), and Sensitivity to Punishment (SP) and Sensitivity to Reward (SR) questionnaire. We found that high vs. low EXT trait participants reported elevated substance use, BIS-11, SR, and SURPS impulsivity scores, had a greater prevalence of psychiatric disorders, and exhibited higher [18F]fallypride binding potential (BPND) values in prefrontal, limbic and paralimbic regions, even when controlling for substance use. Group differences were not evident in midbrain dopamine cell body regions, but, across all participants, low midbrain BPND values were associated with low SP scores. Together, the results suggest that altered DA2/3R availability in terminal extra-striatal and dopamine cell body regions might constitute biological vulnerability traits, generating an EXT trajectory for addictions with and without co-occurring alterations in punishment sensitivity (i.e., an internalizing feature).

Psychometric evaluation of the Turkish version of the Substance Use Risk Profile Scale in adolescents

The Substance Use Risk Profile Scale (SURPS) was developed as a self-report measure to screen four high-risk personality dimensions (hopelessness, anxiety sensitivity, impulsivity, and sensation seeking) that predict specific patterns of vulnerability to substance use and other problematic behavior. The scale has previously been shown to have adequate psychometric properties in various other languages. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the SURPS. A cross-sectional total sampling design was adopted in which 875 Turkish participants took part (mean age 15.58 years, SD = 1.03). Using exploratory factor and correlational analyses, the internal consistency, test–retest reliability, construct validity, and concurrent validity were evaluated. The SURPS demonstrated good psychometric and construct validity. The results provide clear evidence that the Turkish version of the SURPS is valid and reliable. The Turkish version of the SURPS may become an important tool for daily clinical practice and clinical research.

Psychological Factors and Family Troubles among Adolescents with Drug Use Disorders

AbstractBackground: Substance use among adolescents is a com-plex and multidimensional problem. Parental substance use, family conflict, poor family management practices and affil-iation with peers using illicit drugs are important risk factors for addiction.Aim of Study: The aim of this study is to assess impulsivity, peer relationships and parent relationship among adolescents with substance use disorders.Subjects and Methods: Eighty adolescents were included in this study, 40 patients with substance use disorder and 40 healthy adolescents as a control group. All subjects of the study were subjected to: Drug abuse history, Arabic Version of (MINI-KID), IQ assessment, Substance Use Risk Profile Scale (SURPS), Socioeconomic Status Scale for Health Re-search in Egypt, questionnaire of parental attitudes as realized by adolescents and Inventory of Parents and Peer Attachment.Results: There was no statistically significant difference between both groups as regards age, sex and residency. Forty-five percent of adolescents with substance abuse came from single parent families. The patients had significantly more positive family history of substance use disorders (p=0.012) and more family history (p=0.013) of psychiatric disorders. Tramadol is the most common abused substance 37.5%. The most common psychiatric co-morbidities in patients group were conduct disorder (22.5%) and major depressive disorder (15%). Impulsivity, anxiety sensitivity and hopelessness were significantly increased among patients group than control group (p=0.001), (p=0.006) & (p=0.001) respectively. Fathers of patients showed significantly higher consistency with their sons (p=0.021) as well as higher rejection (p=0.002), while the mothers of patients showed significantly higher independ-ency (p=0.005) than control group. Adolescent with substance use disorders had significant less trust and communication with their friends (p=0.009), (p=0.001). Patients has signifi-cantly more friend with history of substance use disorders (p=0.011).Conclusions: Poor family management practices and relationships to peers using illicit drugs are important risk factors for addiction. There are certain psychiatric disorders associated with substance use such as conduct disorder and depression. There are also some psychological factors associ-ated with substance use disorder such as impulsivity, hope-lessness and sensation seeking.

Validity and reliability of Chinese version of 28-item Substance Use Risk Profile Scale in Chinese adolescents and young adults

The present study aimed to explore the validity and reliability of the Chinese version of the 28-item Substance Use Risk Profile Scale (SURPS) and provide an effective assessment tool for personalities related to substance use by which to predict and intervene in substance use cases. A total of 2114 Chinese adolescents and young adults (age 19.44 ± 1.63 years old) were enrolled. The results showed that the modified SURPS-SL_r model fit well (χ2/df = 5.15, p < 0.01, CFI = 0.851, TLI = 0.835, RMSEA = 0.037, SRMR = 0.063), indicating that the structure of the SURPS was suitable for Chinese adolescents and young adults. The SURPS significantly correlated with the Satisfaction with Life Scale, Subjective Health Complaints Index, Beck Depression Inventory, Zuckerman-Kuhlman Personality Questionnaire, and Neuroticism Extraversion Openness Five-Factor Inventory (r = 0.22 ~ 0.60, all ps < 0.01), indicating that the criterion validity of the SURPS was good. The Cronbach’s α of SURPS and its dimensions were 0.74~0.83, which suggested the SURPS has good reliability. Therefore, the Chinese version of the 28-item SURPS is an effective and reliable measure of personalities linked to substance use in Chinese adolescents and young adults.

Reexamining the Psychometric Properties of the Substance Use Risk Profile Scale.

The Substance Use Risk Profile Scale (SURPS), a widely used self-report questionnaire, assesses four personality traits which predict risk for substance use (i.e., anxiety sensitivity, hopelessness, impulsivity, and sensation seeking). Given its use in research and clinical settings, as well as potential utility, this study aimed to provide a comprehensive psychometric evaluation of the SURPS. Undergraduate participants (N = 718; 69% White; 26% Hispanic, aged 18-25 years, M = 19.00, SD = 1.33) completed a battery of measures, including the SURPS. Tests of measurement invariance, convergent and criterion validity, and internal consistency were conducted, as well as item response theory analyses and a treatment assignment simulation. Several items were removed before partial measurement invariance across gender was established with little information lost. Despite removing several SURPS items, the proposed factor structure was not empirically supported. More work is necessary to determine the predictive utility of assessing these personality traits to predict substance-related outcomes.

Validation of the Substance Use Risk Profile Scale (SURPS) With Bulgarian Substance Dependent Individuals.

Background: The Substance Use Risk Profile Scale (SURPS) is a 23-item self-report questionnaire that assesses four well-validated personality risk factors for substance misuse (Impulsivity, Sensation Seeking, Anxiety Sensitivity, and Hopelessness). While the SURPS has been used extensively with adolescents at risk for substance dependence, its properties with adult substance-dependent populations have been understudied. Further, the validity of the Bulgarian version of the SURPS has not been evaluated. The aims of the present study were to examine the factor structure of the Bulgarian version of the SURPS, its psychometric properties, and its ability to distinguish individuals with substance dependence from healthy controls.Methods: Participants included 238 individuals ages 18 to 50 (45% female): 36 “pure” (i.e., mono-substance dependent) heroin users, 34 “pure” amphetamine users, 32 polysubstance users, 64 controls with no history of substance dependence, 43 unaffected siblings of heroin users, and 29 unaffected siblings of amphetamine users. We explored the factor structure of the Bulgarian version of the SURPS with confirmatory factor analyses, examined its reliability and validity, and tested for group differences between substance dependent and non-dependent groups.Results: Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) replicated the original four-factor model of the SURPS. The four subscales of the SURPS demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's alphas ranged from 0.71 to 0.85) and adequate concurrent validity. Significant group differences were found on the Impulsivity and Sensation Seeking subscales, with the three substance dependent groups scoring higher than controls.Conclusions: The SURPS is a valid instrument for measuring personality risk for substance use disorders in the Bulgarian population. The Bulgarian version of the SURPS demonstrates adequate to good reliability, concurrent validity, and predictive validity. Its ability to distinguish between groups with and without a history of substance dependence was specific to externalizing traits such as Impulsivity and Sensation Seeking, on which opiate, stimulant, and polysubstance dependent individuals scored higher than non-dependent controls.

Adaptation to the Spanish population of the Substance Use Risk Profile Scale (SURPS) and psychometric properties.

The identification of different personality risk profiles for substance misuse is useful in preventing substance-related problems. This study aims to test the psychometric properties of a new version of the Substance Use Risk Profile Scale (SURPS) for Spanish college students. Cross-sectional study with 455 undergraduate students from four Spanish universities. A new version of the SURPS, adapted to the Spanish population, was administered with the Beck Hopelessness Scale, the UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Internal consistency reliability ranged between 0.652 and 0.806 for the four SURPS subscales, while reliability estimated by split-half coefficients varied from 0.686 to 0.829. The estimated test-retest reliability ranged between 0.733 and 0.868. The expected four-factor structure of the original scale was replicated. As evidence of convergent validity, we found that the SURPS subscales were significantly associated with other conceptually-relevant personality scales and significantly associated with alcohol use measures in theoretically-expected ways. This SURPS version may be a useful instrument for measuring personality traits related to vulnerability to substance use and misuse when targeting personality with preventive interventions.

Risk factors for substances use and misuse among young people in France: What can we learn from the Substance Use Risk Profile Scale?

BackgroundThe prevention of addictions in young people is a challenge for Mental and Public Health policies, and requires specific risk-screening tools. Specific personality traits, as assessed using the Substance Use Risk Profile Scale (SURPS), could play a key role in the onset and escalation of substance use. This study aimed to examine (1) measurement invariance across age and gender (2) the effects of age and gender on associations between SURPS scores and the most frequently-consumed substances. MethodsAnalyses were based on the responses from 5069 participants (aged 14–20 years) from the 2011 ESPAD-France dataset. Substance-use outcomes were experimentation and current frequency of alcohol, tobacco and cannabis use, and drunkenness. ResultsOur approach, consisting in analysing measurement and structural invariance and interaction terms, established the stability of (i) SURPS profiles, and (ii) relationships between these scores and substance experimentation and use over a developmental period ranging from mid-adolescence to early adulthood. Measurement invariance across genders was also confirmed despite the absence of scalar invariance for 2 items. Significant interactions between gender and SURPS factors were established, highlighting differential vulnerability, especially concerning Hopelessness and experimentation of alcohol and drunkenness, or Impulsivity and tobacco experimentation. Finally, Anxiety Sensitivity could be protective against substance use, especially for cannabis in girls. ConclusionsOur results suggest the relevance of the SURPS to assess vulnerability towards drug use, and underline the need to consider gender differences in addiction risks.

Examining the relationship between personality and affect-related attributes and adolescents' intentions to try smoking using the Substance Use Risk Profile Scale

Assessments of adolescents' smoking intentions indicate that many are susceptible to smoking initiation because they do not have resolute intentions to abstain from trying smoking in the future. Although researchers have developed personality and affect-related risk factor profiles to understand risk for the initiation of substance use and abuse (e.g., alcohol), few have examined the extent to which these risk factors are related to the tobacco use intentions of adolescents who have yet to try tobacco smoking. The objective of this study was to examine the relationships between personality and affect-related risk factors measured by the Substance Use Risk Profile Scale (SURPS) and smoking intentions in a sample of adolescents who have not experimented with tobacco smoking. Data is based on responses from 1352 participants in the British Columbia Adolescent Substance Use Survey (56% female, 76% in Grade 8) who had never tried smoking tobacco. Of these 1352 participants, 29% (n=338) were classified as not having resolute intentions to not try smoking. Generalized estimating equations were used to examine the relationship between each SURPS dimension (Anxiety Sensitivity, Hopelessness, Impulsivity and Sensation Seeking) and the intention to try cigarettes in the future. Hopelessness (AOR 1.06, 95% CI [1.03, 1.10], p<.001), Impulsivity (AOR 1.07 [1.03, 1.11], p<.001) and Sensation Seeking (AOR 1.05 95% CI [1.02, 1.09], p<.01) had independent statistically significant associations with having an intention to try smoking. These findings may be used to inform a prevention-oriented framework to reduce susceptibility to tobacco smoking.

Personality and substance use: psychometric evaluation and validation of the Substance Use Risk Profile Scale (SURPS) in English, Irish, French, and German adolescents.

The aim of the present longitudinal study was the psychometric evaluation of the Substance Use Risk Profile Scale (SURPS). We analyzed data from N = 2,022 adolescents aged 13 to 15 at baseline assessment and 2 years later (mean interval 2.11 years). Missing data at follow-up were imputed (N = 522). Psychometric properties of the SURPS were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis. We examined structural as well as convergent validity with other personality measurements and drinking motives, and predictive validity for substance use at follow-up. The hypothesized 4-factorial structure (i.e., anxiety sensitivity, hopelessness, impulsivity [IMP], and sensation seeking [SS]) based on all 23 items resulted in acceptable fit to empirical data, acceptable internal consistencies, low to moderate test-retest reliability coefficients, as well as evidence for factorial and convergent validity. The proposed factor structure was stable for both males and females and, to lesser degree, across languages. However, only the SS and the IMP subscales of the SURPS predicted substance use outcomes at 16 years of age. The SURPS is unique in its specific assessment of traits related to substance use disorders as well as the resulting shortened administration time. Test-retest reliability was low to moderate and comparable to other personality scales. However, its relation to future substance use was limited to the SS and IMP subscales, which may be due to the relatively low-risk substance use pattern in the present sample.

The validity of the Substance Use Risk Profile Scale (SURPS) among Australian adolescents

AimsThis study investigated the validity of a brief personality screening measure for substance use in adolescents, the Substance Use Risk Profile Scale (SURPS), among Australian adolescents. Design and participantsA total of 527 adolescents (mean age: 13.38years, SD=0.43) from seven Australian schools were assessed at two time points 24months apart. The concurrent and predictive validity of the SURPS was determined using a series of linear and logistic regressions, and was compared to the results in a United Kingdom (UK) sample. SURPS subscale scores for the Australian population were also reported and compared to those in the UK. FindingsOverall, the SURPS subscale scores for Australian adolescents were similar to those for adolescents from the UK. Tests of concurrent and predictive validity in the Australian sample demonstrated that the all four personality profiles – Hopelessness (H), Anxiety Sensitivity (AS), Impulsivity (IMP), and Sensation Seeking (SS) – were related to measures of substance use and other behavioural and emotional characteristics. In addition, all the predicted specific prospective relationships between the personality profiles and particular substance use and other behavioural problems were confirmed except that H was not associated with illicit drug use. Overall, the results were similar between the Australian and UK samples. ConclusionsThe SURPS is a valid and useful measure for identifying Australian adolescents at high-risk for substance use and other emotional and behavioural problems. Implications for prevention are discussed.