Positive impact of competence skills and psychological wellness in protecting inner-city adolescents from alcohol use.

Full Abstract

Research has shown that competence enhancement prevention programs for substance use are effective in reducing alcohol use and other problem behaviors. However, less is known about the mechanisms by which high competence helps youth avoid negative outcomes. This study explored whether greater competence is associated with increased levels of psychological wellness that in turn deters subsequent alcohol use. Specifically, 1,459 students attending 22 middle and junior high schools in New York City completed surveys that included measures of competence (decision making, self-efficacy), psychological wellness, and alcohol use. Students completed surveys at baseline, 1-year follow-up, and 2-year follow-up. Data collectors administered the questionnaire following a standardized protocol during a regular 40-min class period. On the basis of a longitudinal structural equation model, adolescents who were highly competent reported greater psychological wellness, which was then associated with less drinking. These findings highlight the potential of alcohol prevention programs designed to enhance competence and psychological wellness.

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Author information

Author/s: Epstein, Jennifer A (JA); Griffin, Kenneth W (KW); Botvin, Gilbert J (GJ);

Affiliation: Institute for Prevention Research, Weill Medical College, Cornell University, New York, New York 10021, USA. jepstein(-atsign-)med.cornell.edu

Grants: 1 R18 CA 39280 (Agency:NCI NIH HHS) ; 1 R21 AA11434 (Agency:NIAAA NIH HHS)

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

Journal: Prevention science : the official journal of the Society for Prevention Research (Prev Sci), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2002-Jun; vol 3 (issue 2) : pp 95-104

Dates: Created 2002/06/28; Completed 2002/12/24; Revised 2007/11/14;

PMID: 12088140, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adolescent
Adolescent Behavior
Alcohol Drinking - prevention & control
Decision Making
Female
Humans

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