Self-concept and drug involvement among urban junior high school youths

Richard Dembo, Leonard Pilaro, William Burgos, Don C.Des Jarlais, James Schmeidler

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Relationships between self-concept and drug involement were examined through a survey given to 1,100 urban junior high school youths from mixed socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds. The students were presented with 14 descriptions of "types" of youth, which they rated in terms of similarity to themselves. Factor analyses produced three "self-image" factors each for both males and females. "Gang" and "drug culture" self-images were positively associated with self-reported drug use (r's for. 35 to. 46), while an "educational" self-image was negatively associated with drug involvement (r's from -20 to -30). Implications for further research and for drug abuse prevention planning are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1125-1144
Number of pages20
JournalSubstance Use and Misuse
Volume14
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - 1979

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health(social science)
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Psychiatry and Mental health
  • Medicine (miscellaneous)

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