Comfortably Numb? Revisiting and Re-Specifying the Relationship Between Health Strain and Substance Use

2020 ◽  
Vol 66 (13-14) ◽  
pp. 1937-1959
Author(s):  
C. Cory Lowe ◽  
Bryan Lee Miller ◽  
John Stogner
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Linear Relationship ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Curvilinear Relationship ◽  
Adult Health ◽  
General Strain ◽  
Using Data ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Peer Use

Studies have found a positive linear relationship between health strain and substance use; however, they often omit potential confounders such as self-control, social bonds, and peer use. Furthermore, there are several reasons to believe the relationship is curvilinear according to Agnew’s general strain theory. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, we examine whether the linear relationship persists after including confounders and we test the hypothesized curvilinear relationship. Results provide little support for the linear relationship; however, the hypothesized curvilinear relationship is supported in multiple alcohol and marijuana use models. In addition, there is little evidence that health strain is mediated by depressive symptoms. Policy implications, limitations, and directions for research are discussed.

scholarly journals Victimization, Crime Propensity, and Deviance: A Multinational Test of General Strain Theory

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 410-430
Author(s):  
Marco Teijón-Alcalá ◽  
Christopher Birkbeck
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Social Factors ◽  
General Strain Theory ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
Strain Theory ◽  
Self Report ◽  
General Strain ◽  
Using Data ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Recent Extension

General Strain Theory (GST) identifies victimization as one of the strains most strongly related to crime which, like other sources of strain, is moderated by individual and social factors. Recently, Agnew extended the theorization of coping strategies by proposing that the effects of strain on deviance are conditioned by individual and social factors in combination, rather than singly, which he labeled crime propensity. Tests of the propensity hypothesis have so far yielded mixed results, highlighting the value of additional studies. Whereas previous tests have focused on single countries, either in North America or Asia, we test the propensity hypothesis using data on adolescents in 25 countries collected through the International Self-Report Delinquency Study (ISRD3; n = 57,760). A series of ordinary least squares (OLS) regressions show that the relationship between victimization and delinquency/substance use is conditioned by the effects of individuals’ crime propensity, thereby supporting the recent extension to GST.

scholarly journals Examining the Relationship Between Strain and the Use of Nonmedical Prescription Drugs Among College Students

2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 163-182 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret C. Pate ◽  
Riane M. Bolin
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Prescription Drugs ◽  
College Campuses ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Prescription Drug Use ◽  
Nonmedical Use ◽  
General Strain ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Prescription Pain Relievers ◽  
Peer Use

The study of nonmedical prescription drug use (NMPDU) on college campuses is of importance, as college students tend to engage in NMPDU more often than their same-age peers not attending college. Typical correlates of NMPDU include need for alertness, perception of peer use, desire to get high, and use of other drugs including alcohol and marijuana. Few studies have explored the relationship between strain, depression, and NMPDU among college students. Using general strain theory as the theoretical framework, the current study aims to add to the literature on NMPDU by exploring the role that strain and depression play in the prevalence of nonmedical prescription stimulant, tranquilizer/sedative, and pain reliever use at a midsized university. Results support the relationship proposed by strain theorists for both nonmedical use of prescription pain relievers and tranquilizers/sedatives, but not stimulants. Policy implications and future areas of research are discussed.

Gender Ideology and Fertility: Evidence for a Curvilinear Hypothesis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Serena Stefani ◽  
Gabriele Prati
Keyword(s):  
Gender Ideology ◽  
Two Dimensions ◽  
Curvilinear Relationship ◽  
World Population ◽  
Fertility Rates ◽  
The World ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Using Data ◽  
National Analysis ◽  
The Relationship

Research on the relationship between fertility and gender ideology revealed inconsistent results. In the present study, we argue that inconsistencies may be due to the fact that such relationship may be nonlinear. We hypothesize a U- shaped relationship between two dimensions of gender ideology (i.e. primacy of breadwinner role and acceptance of male privilege) and fertility rates. We conducted a cross-national analysis of 60 countries using data from the World Values Survey as well as the World Population Prospects 2019. Controlling for gross domestic product, we found support for a U-shaped relationship between gender ideology and fertility. Higher levels of fertility rates were found at lower and especially higher levels of traditional gender ideology, while a medium level of gender ideology was associated with the lowest fertility rate. This curvilinear relationship is in agreement with the phase of the gender revolution in which the country is located. Traditional beliefs are linked to a complementary division of private versus public sphere between sexes, while egalitarian attitudes are associated with a more equitable division. Both conditions strengthen fertility. Instead, as in the transition phase, intermediate levels of gender ideology’s support are associated with an overload and a difficult reconciliation of the roles that women have to embody (i.e. working and nurturing) so reducing fertility. The present study has contributed to the literature by addressing the inconsistencies of prior research by demonstrating that the relationship between gender ideology and fertility rates is curvilinear rather than linear.

scholarly journals Higher Handgrip Strength Is Linked to Better Cognitive Performance in Chinese Adults with Hypertension

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 985
Author(s):  
Shenghua Lu ◽  
Fabian Herold ◽  
Yanjie Zhang ◽  
Yuruo Lei ◽  
Arthur F. Kramer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Short Term Memory ◽  
Handgrip Strength ◽  
Adult Health ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Chinese Adults ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Term Memory ◽  
Using Data ◽  
The Relationship

Objective: There is growing evidence that in adults, higher levels of handgrip strength (HGS) are linked to better cognitive performance. However, the relationship between HGS and cognitive performance has not been sufficiently investigated in special cohorts, such as individuals with hypertension who have an intrinsically higher risk of cognitive decline. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between HGS and cognitive performance in adults with hypertension using data from the Global Ageing and Adult Health Survey (SAGE). Methods: A total of 4486 Chinese adults with hypertension from the SAGE were included in this study. Absolute handgrip strength (aHGS in kilograms) was measured using a handheld electronic dynamometer, and cognitive performance was assessed in the domains of short-term memory, delayed memory, and language ability. Multiple linear regression models were fitted to examine the association between relative handgrip strength (rHGS; aHGS divided by body mass index) and measures of cognitive performance. Results: Overall, higher levels of rHGS were associated with higher scores in short-term memory (β = 0.20) and language (β = 0.63) compared with the lowest tertiles of rHGS. In male participants, higher HGS was associated with higher scores in short-term memory (β = 0.31), language (β = 0.64), and delayed memory (β = 0.22). There were no associations between rHGS and cognitive performance measures in females. Conclusion: We observed that a higher level of rHGS was associated with better cognitive performance among hypertensive male individuals. Further studies are needed to investigate the neurobiological mechanisms, including sex-specific differences driving the relationship between measures of HGS and cognitive performance in individuals with hypertension.

Assessing the Relationship Between Physical Health and Inmate Misconduct

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (10) ◽  
pp. 1527-1546 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica M. Grosholz ◽  
Daniel C. Semenza
Keyword(s):  
Physical Health ◽  
Physical Disability ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Correctional Facilities ◽  
Program Participation ◽  
Justice Statistics ◽  
Inmate Misconduct ◽  
General Strain ◽  
Using Data ◽  
The Relationship

Research reveals inmate misconduct results from various factors including age, gang membership, program participation, and mental illness. However, no research has examined the influence of physical illness on misconduct. Per general strain theory, we argue that poor physical health is a significant strain that may negatively affect behavior. Using data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics’ 2004 Survey of Inmates in State Correctional Facilities (SISCF), we investigate how acute illnesses, chronic conditions, and physical disabilities influence misconduct. Results suggest acute conditions increase the likelihood of general, serious, and nonserious misconduct in prison. Conversely, chronic ailments decrease the likelihood of all types of misconduct. We find moderate effects for physical disability. Experiencing acute health conditions while incarcerated significantly increases the likelihood of misconduct, suggesting that by appropriately addressing inmates’ acute ailments, it may be possible to concurrently improve inmate health and decrease misconduct to enhance the lives of those in prison.

What Can Help? Examining Levels of Substance (Non)use as a Protective Factor in the Effect of ACEs on Crime

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica M. Craig ◽  
Jonathan Intravia ◽  
Kevin T. Wolff ◽  
Michael T. Baglivio
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Southern State ◽  
Childhood Experiences ◽  
Adverse Childhood ◽  
Race Ethnicity ◽  
The Relationship

Although the deleterious impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on offending has been established, less is known about the possible protective factors that may buffer this relationship. Using a sample of over 28,000 adjudicated delinquents from a large southern state, the current study investigated the role of substance (non)use on the relationship between ACEs and recidivism and whether these results differed by race/ethnicity and sex. Results illustrate that ACEs increase the likelihood of recidivism among youth who engaged in moderate-to-high substance use. However, this effect was not found among youth who reported little-to-no substance use. Furthermore, these effects were largely consistent across race/ethnicity and sex. Policy implications of this buffering effect are discussed as well as limitations and directions for future research.

Boredom Proneness and Aggression Among People With Substance Use Disorder: The Mediating Role of Trait Anger and Impulsivity

2019 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-88
Author(s):  
Qilong Cao ◽  
Jing An
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Substance Use Disorder ◽  
Positive Relationship ◽  
Trait Anger ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Boredom Proneness ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Multiple Mediator Model ◽  
The Relationship

Boredom proneness has been linked to aggressive behaviors; however, the relationship between them is not well understood. To better understand the mechanism underlying the relationship between boredom proneness and aggression, a serial multiple mediator model was built, where boredom proneness impacted aggression simultaneously through (a) impulsivity, (b) trait anger, and (c) impulsivity to trait anger. Using data collected among Chinese substance users, a battery of interview questionnaires was completed. Results from this study indicate a positive relationship between boredom proneness, impulsivity, trait anger, and aggression. Moreover, the mediating role of impulsivity, trait anger, and both impulsivity and trait anger in serial were found. This study reflects that the link from boredom proneness to aggression among substances users could be partially explained via impulsivity and anger.

scholarly journals Non-linear effects of relational capital on supply-side resilience

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (9/10) ◽  
pp. 1053-1075
Author(s):  
Yiyi Fan ◽  
Mark Stevenson
Keyword(s):  
Linear Relationship ◽  
Boundary Spanning ◽  
Curvilinear Relationship ◽  
Tie Strength ◽  
Supply Side ◽  
Relational Capital ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose Prior studies have largely overlooked the potentially negative consequences of a buyer’s relational capital (RC) with a supplier for supply-side resilience, assuming a positive linear relationship between the constructs. Meanwhile, the focus of research has been at an organisational level without incorporating the role of boundary spanning individuals at the interface between buyer and supplier. Drawing on social capital and boundary spanning theory, the purpose of this paper is to: re-examine the relationship between RC and supply-side resilience, challenging the linear assumption; and investigate how both the strength and diversity of a boundary spanner’s ties moderate this relationship. Design/methodology/approach Survey data are collected from 248 firms and validated using a subset of 57 attentive secondary respondents and archival data. The latent moderated structural equation method is applied to analyse the data. Findings An inverted U-shaped relationship between RC and supply-side resilience is identified. Tie strength in particular has a positive moderating effect on the relationship. More specifically, the downward RC–supply-side resilience relationship flips into an upward curvilinear relationship when boundary spanning individuals develop stronger ties with supplier personnel. Research limitations/implications A deeper insight into the RC–supply-side resilience relationship is provided. Findings are based on Chinese manufacturing firms and cross-sectional data meaning further research is needed to determine their generalisability. Practical implications In evaluating how to enhance supply-side resilience, buying firms must decide whether the associated collaborative benefits of developing RC outweigh the potential costs. Managers also need to be concerned with the impact of developing RC between organisations and enhancing the tie strength of individuals simultaneously. Originality/value The paper goes beyond the linear relationship between RC and supply-side resilience. Incorporating the moderating role of boundary spanners identifies a novel phenomenon whereby the RC–resilience relationship flips from an inverted to a U-shaped curve.

scholarly journals Exploring the Relationship between Perceived Ease of Use and Continuance Usage of a Mobile Terminal: Mobility as a Moderator

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 1128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aoshuang Li ◽  
Yongqiang Sun ◽  
Xiaodong Yang ◽  
Jinyu Guo
Keyword(s):  
Linear Relationship ◽  
Mobile Application ◽  
Mobile Terminal ◽  
Mobile Internet ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Curvilinear Relationship ◽  
Perceived Ease Of Use ◽  
Continuance Usage ◽  
The Relationship

As the number of mobile terminal users has increased worldwide, research on continuance usage of a mobile terminal (CUMT) has received wide attention to facilitate the sustainability of development of mobile application providers. However, different results of the relationship between perceived ease of use (PEU) and continuance usage toward information technology were found in prior studies, and studies that mainly focus on their linear relationship cannot provide an explanation of the different results. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between PEU and CUMT to examine the intriguing possibility that a curvilinear relationship can be found. This study proposed a model with a moderator of mobility based on the environment–behavior relationship theory and expectation disconfirmation theory. The research model was tested with 311 respondents collected in China through hierarchical regressions method. The results empirically indicate that mobility moderates the relationship between PEU and CUMT and show a linear relationship under high levels of mobility and a U-shaped relationship under low levels of mobility. At a low PEU stage, PEU negatively and significantly influences the behavior of CUMT, while, at a high PEU stage, there is a positive relationship between PEU and CUMT. This paper provides a detailed explanation of this behavior in the mobile Internet context. This paper discusses theoretical contributions and practical implications for the sustainable development of mobile application providers as well as the limitations of the study and future research directions.

Substance Use among Rapists: A Comparison with Other Serious Felons

1985 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 269-294 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia Ladouceur ◽  
Mark Temple
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Social Context ◽  
Violent Crime ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Correctional Institutions ◽  
Use Patterns ◽  
Context Factors ◽  
Using Data ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Different Levels

The purpose of this article is to explore the relationship between substance use and sexual and violent crime, using data collected as part of the 1979 “Survey of Inmates in Correctional Institutions.” Specifically, the intent is to (1) assess the relationship between substance use and crime for rapists and compare this relationship with that for offenders whose crimes involve different levels of sex and violence; (2) examine the extent to which race, age, and social context modify this relationship; (3) compare substance use at the time of the offense with typical use patterns, in order to determine whether use is likely to be directly linked to the crimes in question; and (4) place the findings in a theoretical context in order to suggest directions for future research. The findings indicate that although there is a slight difference between offender types for drug use, no difference between offender types was found for alcohol use. In addition, these findings did not appear to be modified by race, age, or social context factors. Finally, it was found that use at the time of the offense does not differ markedly from typical use patterns.

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