scholarly journals Changes in adolescents' risk factors following peer sexual coercion: Evidence for a feedback loop

2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 559-571 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brennan J. Young ◽  
Wyndol Furman ◽  
Meredith C. Jones

AbstractInvestigators have identified a number of factors that increase the risk for experiencing sexual coercion, but as yet little is known about how sexual coercion in turn affects these risk factors. Using a sample of 110 adolescents, the current study examined the hypothesis that, after an incident of sexual coercion, adolescents would exhibit increases in several behaviors known to increase risk for victimization. As predicted, after experiencing sexual coercion, adolescents reported increased externalizing symptoms, more frequent sexual intercourse and a greater total number of intercourse partners. Finally, alcohol use, drug use, and problems related to substance use increased. These findings suggest the presence of a feedback loop, in which the experience of sexual coercion leads to an intensification of the factors that initially contributed risk for coercion.

2021 ◽  
pp. 088626052199083
Author(s):  
Nora K. Kline ◽  
Korine B. Cabrera ◽  
Kathleen M. Palm Reed

Intimate partner aggression (IPA) victimization and substance use have been well established as risk factors for IPA perpetration ( Leonard, 2005 ; Sprunger et al., 2015 ). Recent research has identified a negative association between distress tolerance and physical and psychological IPA perpetration, specifically in males in substance use treatment ( Shorey et al., 2017 ). Research examining the interplay of problem substance use, distress tolerance, and other forms of IPA (i.e., sexual coercion, controlling behaviors) in non-clinical samples is limited. The present analysis aimed to examine the potential moderating effect of distress tolerance on problem alcohol use and four types of IPA perpetration (physical assault, psychological aggression, sexual coercion, and controlling behaviors) in a diverse, national sample ( N = 323; 44.3% female; 52.9% sexual minority; age M = 33.61 years, SD = 8.71). Results showed that alcohol use and distress tolerance had differing influences on each IPA perpetration type. In line with hypotheses, distress tolerance significantly moderated the relationship between problem alcohol use and two forms of IPA (physical assault and controlling behaviors); this relationship was stronger for individuals with low levels of distress tolerance. Significant interaction effects did not emerge for psychological aggression or sexual coercion. Findings suggest that treatment strategies that focus specifically on increasing distress tolerance may be effective in reducing alcohol-facilitated IPA perpetration involving physical assault and controlling behaviors.


2022 ◽  
pp. 174-179
Author(s):  
R. M. Sadykov ◽  
N. L. Bolshakova

The article considers a number of factors that influence the use of psychoactive substances by young people in Russia: psychological, social, economic, medico-biological, spiritual and moral and others. The main reasons for psychoactive substance use among this age group are: neglect by parents, psychoactive substance use by parents and other relatives, abuse by parents and guardians, low family income, conflicts and lack of understanding of the age-specific characteristics of adolescents by parents, low motivation to study, low status among peer groups, youth informal groups. In addition to risk factors, protection factors – circumstances that reduce the likelihood of a person becoming involved with psychoactive substances have also been identified: a strong family, with a healthy and supportive psychological atmosphere, success in educational activities, parental involvement in the life of their children, etc. 


2017 ◽  
Vol 60 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-19
Author(s):  
Matthew Csabonyi ◽  
Lisa J. Phillips

Viktor Frankl theorized that an absence of meaning in one’s life can result in boredom and apathy—the “existential vacuum”—and attempts to avoid or “escape” the vacuum can include short-acting distracting behaviors. This study investigated whether the presence of meaning (PM) or the search for meaning are associated with alcohol, drug, and cigarette use by young adults, and whether boredom mediates those relationships. Hundred and seventy-six young adults completed the Meaning in Life Questionnaire, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, and provided information about cigarette and illicit drug use over the preceding year. The results partly support Frankl’s model: higher PM was associated with lower alcohol/other drug use and boredom mediated those relationships, but PM was not related to cigarette smoking. Contrary to Frankl’s model, no relationship was found between search for meaning and alcohol, drug, or cigarette use. This suggests that psychological interventions that assist individuals who use drugs or alcohol to identify meaning or purpose in their lives might reduce levels of drug and alcohol use. The process of searching for meaning may not have substantial direct impact on levels of substance use, but once some meaning was established there may be decreased impetus to continue using drugs and alcohol.


2019 ◽  
pp. 088626051987923
Author(s):  
Sarah J. Ehlke ◽  
Michelle L. Kelley ◽  
Abby L. Braitman

It has been well documented that alcohol use is a risk factor for sexual assault. However, few studies have examined how alcohol use is associated with sexual coercion experiences. Furthermore, off-campus parties and bars are drinking locations where alcohol use is high among college students. It is important to determine other risk factors, such as the drinking location, that may affect alcohol use and sexual coercion. The current study examined whether alcohol use (drinks per week and binge drinking) mediated the association between drinking location frequency (off-campus party and bar/restaurant) and experiencing sexual coercion in the past 30 days. Participants were N = 295 young adult ( Mage = 21.17 years, SD = 2.70) undergraduate women who reported drinking at least once in the past 30 days and completed an online survey. Results revealed that 88 (29.8%) participants experienced sexual coercion in the past 30 days. Participants who experienced sexual coercion in the past 30 days reported greater drinks per week, were more likely to binge drink, and reported drinking more frequently at off-campus parties than those who had not experienced sexual coercion. Drinks per week significantly mediated the relationship between drinking location frequency (off-campus party and bar/restaurant) and sexual coercion. Specifically, more frequent drinking at off-campus parties and bars/restaurants was associated with greater drinks per week, which in turn was related to experiencing sexual coercion in the past 30 days. Binge drinking significantly mediated the association between frequency of drinking at a bar/restaurant and sexual coercion, but not off-campus drinking frequency. Findings suggest that college student alcohol interventions that target harm reduction should consider including information about how the drinking location may intersect with alcohol use to increase risk for sexual coercion.


Author(s):  
Helene Raskin White ◽  
Courtney Cronley ◽  
Padmini Iyer

This chapter examines alcohol and drug use as risk factors for delinquency during adolescence. There is strong evidence for comorbidity between substance use and delinquency for individuals. Users, compared to nonusers, are more likely to be delinquent; and delinquents, compared to nondelinquents, are more likely to use substances. Conversely, substance use and delinquency follow different developmental patterns from adolescence into young adulthood, and trends in adolescent substance use and delinquency from 1980 through 2009 do not converge well. Alcohol, compared to drugs, has a stronger acute effect on adolescent aggression/violence. Developmentally, there appears to be a reciprocal association between substance use and delinquency, although findings differ across samples and time frames. There are several alternative models that explain why alcohol and drug use are risk factors for adolescent delinquency.


2005 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 869-883 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abigail A. Fagan ◽  
Jake M. Najman

While research demonstrates that parental tobacco and alcohol use increases the likelihood of children's substance use, it is unclear whether or not sibling use has a greater, weaker, or similar effect. Based upon self-reported information from Australian adolescents, their siblings and parents, this investigation examines the association between siblings' tobacco and alcohol use. The relationship is consistent, moderately strong, and remains significant when controlling for a number of family-related factors, indicating that the shared environment cannot fully explain the extent of similarity in siblings' behaviors. In addition, sibling substance use has a greater effect on adolescent substance use than does smoking or drinking by parents. These findings indicate the need to include siblings and information regarding sibling relationships in prevention and intervention programs.


Author(s):  
David Adzrago ◽  
Samuel H. Nyarko ◽  
Nnenna Ananaba ◽  
Christine Markham

Abstract Background Sexually transmitted disease (STD) cases are rising in the USA, especially among sexual and gender minorities, despite the availability of numerous STD prevention programs. We examined the differences in STD prevalence among sexual and gender minority subgroups with major depressive episode symptoms and substance use dependence. Methods We combined 2017, 2018, and 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) public-use data on adults (N = 127,584) to conduct weighted multivariable logistic regression and margins analyses. Results Approximately 2.05% of the population reported having STDs. The population that had major depressive episode symptoms (AOR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.46, 1.99), alcohol use dependence (AOR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.49, 2.16), illicit drug use other than marijuana use dependence (AOR = 2.25, 95% CI = 1.73, 2.92), or marijuana use dependence (AOR = 1.90, 95% CI = 1.57, 2.31) had higher odds of contracting STDs compared to their counterparts. Lesbian/gay (AOR = 2.81, 95% CI = 2.24, 3.54) and bisexual (AOR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.60, 2.37) individuals had higher odds of contracting STDs. Lesbians/gays with major depressive episode symptoms, alcohol use dependence, or illicit drug use other than marijuana use dependence had the highest probability of having STDs, compared to bisexuals and heterosexuals with major depressive episode symptoms, alcohol use, or illicit drug use other than marijuana use dependence. Bisexuals with marijuana use dependence had the highest probability of STD contraction compared to their lesbian/gay and heterosexual counterparts. Within each sexual identity subgroup, the probability of having STDs was higher for individuals with major depressive episode symptoms, or dependence on alcohol use, illicit drug use other than marijuana use, or marijuana use compared to their counterparts. Conclusion Major depressive episode symptoms, substance use dependence, and sexual and gender minority status had higher risks for STD diagnosis, particularly for sexual and gender minorities with major depressive episode symptoms or substance use dependence. Tailored interventions based on major depressive episode symptoms and substance use dependence may reduce the prevalence of STD, especially among sexual and gender minorities.


Author(s):  
Sandra Montagud-Romero ◽  
Marina D. Reguilón ◽  
Marta Rodriguez-Arias

Stress is one of the main risk factors that can induce humans to develop disorders such as depression, anxiety, or drug use. One of the main sources of stress is social interaction, which can lead to situations such as bullying at school or at work. In this article we will review the close relationship between exposure to stressful situations and increased cocaine or alcohol use. We will present the main results obtained with animal models, which allow us to study the brain mechanisms involved in the impact of stress on drug use. To conclude, we will detail the main mechanisms that explain the powerful effect of stress on drug use.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adeline Rose Dozois ◽  
Paulina Nkondora ◽  
Erin E Noste ◽  
Juma Mfinanga ◽  
Hendry R Sawe ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Road traffic accidents (RTAs) have emerged as an important public health problem in low and middle-income countries, where 90% of RTA deaths occur. The World Health Organization has suggested strategies to address excess mortality from RTAs including efforts to combat driving while intoxicated. The association between substance use and RTAs is well known in high-income countries, but data is more limited in low-resource settings including Tanzania. The objective of this study is to examine the prevalence of drug use, alcohol use, and substance use disorders in Tanzanian RTA drivers. Methods This prospective observational study was conducted in the Emergency Department of Muhimbili National Hospital, a national referral hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Research assistants available 24 hours per day enrolled adult drivers who presented within 24 hours of an RTA. In eligible patients, research assistants collected a saliva test of blood alcohol content (BAC) and a urine drug screen (UDS), and administered a validated substance abuse screening tool, the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST), Patients were excluded from individual analyses if they could not produce a saliva or urine test or answer questions. Primary outcomes were rates of positive BAC, UDS and self-reported high-risk alcohol and drug use patterns. Descriptive statistics were calculated using Excel. Results We screened 5264 trauma patients and enrolled 538, in whom 191 had a BAC, 362 had a UDS, and 417 had a complete ASSIST. Fifteen of 191 patients (7.8%) had a positive BAC, and 68/362 (18.7%) patients had a UDS that was positive for at least one drug. Based on the ASSIST, 104/417 (24.5%) of patients were at moderate or high risk for alcohol use disorder. Few were at risk for disordered use of other non-tobacco substances. Conclusion In our population of drivers presenting within 24 hours of an RTA, positive BAC and UDS tests were rare. A substantial portion of the population was at moderate to high risk for an alcohol use disorder. Ideal screening for substance use in trauma populations may involve a verbal screening tool, particularly when the time between injury and hospital arrival is delayed.


2020 ◽  
pp. 088626052093442
Author(s):  
Hye Jeong Choi ◽  
Hannah Grigorian ◽  
Alisa Garner ◽  
Gregory L. Stuart ◽  
Jeff. R. Temple

We examined sociodemographic and psychosocial risk factors that moderate the (poly) substance use and dating violence victimization and perpetration relationship among emerging adults. Using an ethnically diverse sample ( N = 698), we used latent class analyses to identify mutually exclusive groups based on monthly and past-year substance use. We then examined these groups as they relate to dating violence victimization and perpetration and the moderating effect of various risk factors. Five classes were identified based on substance use patterns: (a) Regular Alcohol use, (b) Polysubstance use, (c) Heavy Alcohol and Marijuana use, (d) Mild Alcohol use, and (e) Occasional Alcohol and Marijuana use classes. Participants in the Polysubstance use class were the most likely to perpetrate dating violence followed by Heavy Alcohol and Marijuana use, Occasional Alcohol and Marijuana use, Regular Alcohol, and Mild Alcohol use classes. Similarly, participants in the Polysubstance use class were the most likely to be victims of dating violence followed by Occasional Alcohol and Marijuana, Heavy Alcohol and Marijuana, Regular Alcohol, and Mild Alcohol use classes. Depending on substance use class, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, history of dating violence, and trauma symptoms differentially influenced dating violence perpetration and victimization at 1-year follow-up. Our findings support the need to comprehensively address dating violence among emerging adults. Intimate partner violence prevention and intervention programs may benefit from targeting emerging adults who misuse substances and incorporating substance use interventions into dating violence prevention efforts.


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