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COLLEGE DRINKING, GREEK AFFILIATION AND THE NEED TO FIT IN: AN ANALYSIS OF SOCIAL NORMS AND MOTIVATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH FRATERNITY AND SORORITY BINGE DRINKING
Title
COLLEGE DRINKING, GREEK AFFILIATION AND THE NEED TO FIT IN: AN ANALYSIS OF SOCIAL NORMS AND MOTIVATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH FRATERNITY AND SORORITY BINGE DRINKING.
Creator
Dufrene, Chantel, Ford, Jason, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
This study proposes that members of Greek social organizations have higher rates of binge drinking as compared to other college students due to their greater acceptance of norms and motives that support binge drinking. The College Alcohol Study, a survey conducted by the Harvard School of Public Heath, was administered to 10, 904 university students. The survey measured various aspects of students' experiences at their respective universities including experiences with and perceptions of...
Show moreThis study proposes that members of Greek social organizations have higher rates of binge drinking as compared to other college students due to their greater acceptance of norms and motives that support binge drinking. The College Alcohol Study, a survey conducted by the Harvard School of Public Heath, was administered to 10, 904 university students. The survey measured various aspects of students' experiences at their respective universities including experiences with and perceptions of alcohol use. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine normative and motivational predictors of binge drinking for Greek and non-Greek students. The results show that Greek members binge drink at higher levels than do other students. The results also indicate that social norm and motive variables, which were thought to be predictive of binge drinking practices for all students, are better predictors of binge drinking for non-Greek members. Implications of theses findings, discussion of results, limitations of the study, and recommendations for future research are presented.
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Date Issued
2006
Identifier
CFE0001270, ucf:46922
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001270
ZERO TOLERANCE FOR SOME:THE ROLE OF RACE IN ZERO TOLERANCE EXCLUSIONARY DISCIPLINE
Title
ZERO TOLERANCE FOR SOME:THE ROLE OF RACE IN ZERO TOLERANCE EXCLUSIONARY DISCIPLINE.
Creator
Bejarano, Meghan, Ford, Jason, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Within the last few decades, zero tolerance policies and exclusionary discipline have become the standard way in which schools manage student behavior. These policies, namely suspension and expulsion have been shown to have negative impacts on the lives of students who are punished with them. Educationally, the removal of students from the classroom hurts their chances of achieving academic success. Furthermore, these policies have been linked with an increase in the presence of law...
Show moreWithin the last few decades, zero tolerance policies and exclusionary discipline have become the standard way in which schools manage student behavior. These policies, namely suspension and expulsion have been shown to have negative impacts on the lives of students who are punished with them. Educationally, the removal of students from the classroom hurts their chances of achieving academic success. Furthermore, these policies have been linked with an increase in the presence of law enforcement on school campuses, which results in the arrest of students, burdening them with expensive and serious legal battles. This research examines whether nonwhite students are more likely to be sanctioned by this form of discipline. A nationally representative sample of middle and high school students is used to estimate four logistic regression models, with exclusionary discipline as the dependent variable and race as the primary independent variable. The analysis shows that nonwhite students are more likely to suspended or expelled than white students - even when student behavior is the same. This research adds to the existing body of research on exclusionary discipline and provides a nationally generalizable study to support the claim the nonwhite students are at an increased risk to be sanctioned by zero tolerance policies.
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Date Issued
2014
Identifier
CFH0004643, ucf:45276
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004643
PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AND SUBSTANCE USE AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS
Title
PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AND SUBSTANCE USE AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS.
Creator
Messer, Katelynn, Ford, Jason, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Research indicates that young adults have relatively high rates of psychological distress and substance use. Research also suggests that psychological distress and substance use are correlated as individuals may turn to substance use as a coping mechanism for psychological distress. The goal of the current research is to examine the relationship between psychological distress and substance use among college students. A secondary question is to determine if the relationship between...
Show moreResearch indicates that young adults have relatively high rates of psychological distress and substance use. Research also suggests that psychological distress and substance use are correlated as individuals may turn to substance use as a coping mechanism for psychological distress. The goal of the current research is to examine the relationship between psychological distress and substance use among college students. A secondary question is to determine if the relationship between psychological distress and substance use is different for men and women. College students are a good sample for this research question for a number of reasons. First, more young adults are enrolled in college today than ever, with about 70% of high school graduates in 2011 enrolling in college the following fall. Second, research indicates that the prevalence of substance use is relatively high among college students and that young adults enrolled in college are at increased risk for certain types of substance use compared to their same age peers who do not attend college. Third, research indicates that college students are at greater risk for psychological distress compared to their same age peers who do not attend college. This may be due to the fact that college students are exposed to unique stressors that are likely to increase risk for psychological distress. The current research uses data from a sample of college students to examine the relationship between psychological distress and substance use. Several forms of substance use are included for the dependent variable. First, a measure of binge drinking is used based on the Harvard School of Public Health College Alcohol Study to measure binge drinking. Second, a measure of marijuana use is included. Third, a measure of prescription drug misuse is included based on the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. All substance use measures are coded 0 = No and 1 = Yes. The independent variable of interest is psychological distress, measured with Kessler's Psychological Distress Scale (K10). We also measure respondent's sociodemographic characteristics (e.g., age, gender, race/ethnicity) and correlates of substance use (e.g., Greek affiliation, peer substance use, and grades) to include as controls in our analysis. A positive correlation is expected between psychological distress and substance use, as respondents with higher levels of psychological distress will be more likely to report binge drinking, marijuana use, and prescription drug misuse. In addition, it is expected that the relationship between psychological distress and all forms of substance use is moderated by gender. The relationship between psychological distress and substance use is expected to be stronger for females. To test research hypotheses several logistic regression models are estimated.
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Date Issued
2013
Identifier
CFH0004446, ucf:45083
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004446
UCF STUDENT PERCEPTIONS OF A SMOKE-FREE CAMPUS POLICY
Title
UCF STUDENT PERCEPTIONS OF A SMOKE-FREE CAMPUS POLICY.
Creator
Roman, Alyssa, Ford, Jason, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Within the last few decades, the prevalence of cigarette smoking has decreased because of the vast amount of research which indicates that smoking leads to health problems many of which are potentially fatal. Also, smoking harms not only those whom choose to smoke but non-smokers in the area are affected by even low levels of cigarette smoke. Thus, cigarette smoking has become a public health concern. Around the globe, countries are passing smoke-free laws in public areas such as businesses,...
Show moreWithin the last few decades, the prevalence of cigarette smoking has decreased because of the vast amount of research which indicates that smoking leads to health problems many of which are potentially fatal. Also, smoking harms not only those whom choose to smoke but non-smokers in the area are affected by even low levels of cigarette smoke. Thus, cigarette smoking has become a public health concern. Around the globe, countries are passing smoke-free laws in public areas such as businesses, restaurants, and bars. In the United States, many universities have enacted smoke-free campus policies to ensure the health of all their students in all places on campus. The purpose of this research is to identify the support or opposition for a smoke-free campus policy at the University of Central Florida by UCF students. A survey was distributed to undergraduate students at UCF which asks whether they would support such a policy along with characterizing questions about their smoking habits, lifestyle, history, and opinion. The analysis of the data shows that the majority of UCF student would support a smoke-free campus policy.
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Date Issued
2011
Identifier
CFH0003706, ucf:44716
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0003706
SOCIAL LEARNING AND GENERAL STRAIN THEORIES' RELATIONSHIP WITH PRESCRIPTION STIMULANT MISUSE FOR ACADEMIC PURPOSES AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS
Title
SOCIAL LEARNING AND GENERAL STRAIN THEORIES' RELATIONSHIP WITH PRESCRIPTION STIMULANT MISUSE FOR ACADEMIC PURPOSES AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS.
Creator
Ong, Julianne, Ford, Jason, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
The instrumental misuse of prescription stimulants as "study drugs", particularly by college students, is a serious issue that needs to be further investigated. Using data from a sample of 549 University of Central Florida Orlando students, the current study tested the relationship between prescription stimulant misuse and social learning theory, as well as general strain theory. Approximately 17% of participants reported misusing prescription stimulants for academic purposes at least once in...
Show moreThe instrumental misuse of prescription stimulants as "study drugs", particularly by college students, is a serious issue that needs to be further investigated. Using data from a sample of 549 University of Central Florida Orlando students, the current study tested the relationship between prescription stimulant misuse and social learning theory, as well as general strain theory. Approximately 17% of participants reported misusing prescription stimulants for academic purposes at least once in the past year. Findings show support for social learning theory; the number of friends who use prescription stimulants and the individual's attitudes about the effectiveness of the drugs are both significant variables. General strain theory was divided into two parts; the first one tests the relationship between strain and negative affect, while the second tests negative affect, strain and prescription stimulant misuse. Overall, general strain theory was not found to explain prescription stimulant misuse. Also, results showed students who binge drink or use other substances are significantly more likely to report prescription stimulant misuse. Potential implications for these findings are discussed, as well as future research directions.
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Date Issued
2011
Identifier
CFH0004114, ucf:44865
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004114
THE EFFECT OF RELATIVE DEPRIVATION ON DELINQUENCY: AN ASSESSMENT OF JUVENILES
Title
THE EFFECT OF RELATIVE DEPRIVATION ON DELINQUENCY: AN ASSESSMENT OF JUVENILES.
Creator
Horne, Adrienne, Ford, Jason, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
This study examines the impact of relative deprivation on juvenile delinquency. Though this topic has been explored by several researchers, there has not been much consistency in the research due to the operationalization of key variables. Traditionally, relative deprivation has been referenced in relation to Merton's Classic Strain Theory, using economic indicators to measure relative deprivation. Webber and Runciman however, expanded upon Merton's original premise and integrated...
Show moreThis study examines the impact of relative deprivation on juvenile delinquency. Though this topic has been explored by several researchers, there has not been much consistency in the research due to the operationalization of key variables. Traditionally, relative deprivation has been referenced in relation to Merton's Classic Strain Theory, using economic indicators to measure relative deprivation. Webber and Runciman however, expanded upon Merton's original premise and integrated more diverse measures of relative deprivation into their research. The current study utilizes Agnew's General Strain Theory (GST) as a means to measure relative deprivation as a broader and more subjective topic. This unique approach in the study of relative deprivation utilizes aspirations as a primary measure of relative deprivation.
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Date Issued
2009
Identifier
CFE0002710, ucf:48177
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002710
Socioeconomic Status and Prescription Opioid Use Behaviors among U.S. Adults: A Test of the Fundamental Cause Theory Framework
Title
Socioeconomic Status and Prescription Opioid Use Behaviors among U.S. Adults: A Test of the Fundamental Cause Theory Framework.
Creator
Nicholson, Harvey, Ford, Jason, Rivera, Fernando, Hinojosa, Melanie, Rigg, Khary, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Using data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, I applied Phelan, Link and Tehranifar's (2010) fundamental cause theory (FCT) framework to examine the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and prescription opioid use behaviors. I also explored the mediating roles of health status and the deployment of flexible resources. I hypothesized that (1) a negative association would exist between SES and prescription opioid use, misuse, and use disorder, and (2) health status and...
Show moreUsing data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, I applied Phelan, Link and Tehranifar's (2010) fundamental cause theory (FCT) framework to examine the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and prescription opioid use behaviors. I also explored the mediating roles of health status and the deployment of flexible resources. I hypothesized that (1) a negative association would exist between SES and prescription opioid use, misuse, and use disorder, and (2) health status and the deployment of flexible resources (e.g. health care access, knowledge, social support) would mediate this relationship. As hypothesized and consistent with FCT, higher SES was associated with significantly lower odds of prescription opioid use behaviors. Two flexible resources, health care access and social support, and various indicators of poor health helped explain this relationship. Inconsistent with FCT, knowledge of heroin use as being a (")great risk(") was not a mediator of the SES-prescription opioid use behaviors association. Based on these findings, efforts to reduce SES disparities in prescription opioid use behaviors should emphasize reducing SES disparities overall as well as in health and access to important health-enhancing resources. Limitations of this study and directions for future research are discussed. ?
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Date Issued
2019
Identifier
CFE0007695, ucf:52437
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007695
Victimization and Health Experiences for TGNC Individuals in Women's Prisons
Title
Victimization and Health Experiences for TGNC Individuals in Women's Prisons.
Creator
Davis, Kristina, Armato, Michael, Ford, Jason, Hinojosa, Ramon, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
This text examines the health-related experiences of transgender and gender nonconforming persons assigned female at birth within the criminal justice system. It moves through a transgender-centric approach to explore the ways gender nonconformity relates to experiences of violence and healthcare disparities for those interacting with law enforcement and incarcerated in women's prisons. The study utilized statistical analyses of nationally representative data in the 2015 U.S. Transgender...
Show moreThis text examines the health-related experiences of transgender and gender nonconforming persons assigned female at birth within the criminal justice system. It moves through a transgender-centric approach to explore the ways gender nonconformity relates to experiences of violence and healthcare disparities for those interacting with law enforcement and incarcerated in women's prisons. The study utilized statistical analyses of nationally representative data in the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey carried out by the National Center for Transgender Equality. Multivariate analyses suggested significant connections between race and education and experiences of harassment and assault within the criminal justice context. There were largely mixed results regarding the direct connections between gender conformity and transition status and experiences of violence. These findings provide initial exploratory quantitative data for the realities of transmasculine and nonbinary persons assigned female at birth within the criminal justice system and provide starting points for future research.
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Date Issued
2019
Identifier
CFE0007621, ucf:52558
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007621
Prescription Drug Misuse among College Students: An Examination of Sociological Risk Factors
Title
Prescription Drug Misuse among College Students: An Examination of Sociological Risk Factors.
Creator
Watkins, William, Ford, Jason, Jasinski, Jana, Wright, James, Childs, Kristina, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Prescription drug misuse (PDM), defined as use without a prescription or solely for the feeling or experience caused by the drug, has become a popular topic among substance use researchers. While the vast majority of studies on the topic tackle epidemiological questions surrounding PDM, there is a notable lack of studies that look specifically at risk factors rooted in sociological/criminological theories. The current research seeks to bridge this gap in the literature by examining...
Show morePrescription drug misuse (PDM), defined as use without a prescription or solely for the feeling or experience caused by the drug, has become a popular topic among substance use researchers. While the vast majority of studies on the topic tackle epidemiological questions surrounding PDM, there is a notable lack of studies that look specifically at risk factors rooted in sociological/criminological theories. The current research seeks to bridge this gap in the literature by examining theoretically based explanations for PDM among college students utilizing three criminological theories commonly applied to other forms of substance use: Social Learning Theory, Social Bonding/Control theory, and General Strain Theory. Inaddition, this study also seeks to examine differences in user types characterized by motives for misuse as they relate to predictors stemming from these theories of interest. Utilizing an independently collected sample of 841 college undergraduates from a large southern university, the findings show that nearly one in four students misused prescription drugs in the past semester. Motivations for PDM were primarily instrumental in nature, with very few respondents misusing solely for recreational purposes. Furthermore, social learning based risk factors could best account for PDM within the sample with partial and indirect supports also found for strain based risk factors as well. Implications of these findings as well as theoretical and practical applications are presented.
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Date Issued
2012
Identifier
CFE0004455, ucf:49341
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004455
Juvenile-Perpetrated Homicide and Family Disorganization
Title
Juvenile-Perpetrated Homicide and Family Disorganization.
Creator
Murray, Brittany, Jasinski, Jana, Gay, David, Ford, Jason, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Juvenile-perpetrated homicide is a complicated and sensitive topic in the literature. Uncovering the potential influences on a juvenile is arguably important for recognizing the trends in juvenile behavior and the devastating consequences of some of this behavior. Family disorganization, a component to social disorganization as proposed by Elliott and Merrill (1934), explained that families with higher levels of social disorganization (as measured by factors such as poverty, welfare, and...
Show moreJuvenile-perpetrated homicide is a complicated and sensitive topic in the literature. Uncovering the potential influences on a juvenile is arguably important for recognizing the trends in juvenile behavior and the devastating consequences of some of this behavior. Family disorganization, a component to social disorganization as proposed by Elliott and Merrill (1934), explained that families with higher levels of social disorganization (as measured by factors such as poverty, welfare, and residential mobility) are expected to have higher numbers of juvenile delinquents. Using this theoretical frame, data from 1984-2006 on juvenile-perpetrated homicide in 91 of the largest cities in the United States was analyzed. This investigation uncovers relationships between the rate of juvenile homicide offenders and family disorganization in cities across the U.S. While more research is needed on family structure and other measures of family disorganization are needed to confirm these findings, higher percentages of female-headed households and owner-occupied housing were found to decrease the rate of juvenile homicide offenders in most models. On the contrary, unemployment, poverty, and higher percentages of public assistance were seen to increase this rate. Findings suggest that more research is needed on the family unit with regard to juvenile homicide offenders. This study further suggests avenues for assisting single-parent households and outlines the tools necessary to provide the best possible outcomes for our youth. The results not only provide insight for prevention efforts, but provide an updated foundation from which to build future research in this area.
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Date Issued
2016
Identifier
CFE0006151, ucf:51120
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006151
Undergraduate Prescription Stimulant Misuse: The Impact of Academic Strain, Social Norms, and Gender
Title
Undergraduate Prescription Stimulant Misuse: The Impact of Academic Strain, Social Norms, and Gender.
Creator
Norman, Lauren, Ford, Jason, Reckdenwald, Amy, Anthony, Amanda, Potter, Roberto, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
This study investigates the misuse of prescription stimulants among undergraduates for a variety of different purposes, including: academic, other instrumental, and recreational. This research is important as existing literature as well as national level surveillance data indicates a substantial increase in this type of prescription drug misuse, especially among young adults aged 18-25. Drawing from several theoretical frameworks, this research focuses on how academic strain, social norms,...
Show moreThis study investigates the misuse of prescription stimulants among undergraduates for a variety of different purposes, including: academic, other instrumental, and recreational. This research is important as existing literature as well as national level surveillance data indicates a substantial increase in this type of prescription drug misuse, especially among young adults aged 18-25. Drawing from several theoretical frameworks, this research focuses on how academic strain, social norms, and gender influence prescription stimulant misuse among undergraduates. Roughly 900 quantitative surveys were collected that specifically address undergraduate prescription stimulant misuse. The results indicate that college students are at an increased likelihood of misusing prescription stimulants if they experienced academic impediments and/or grade strain during the past academic year. Additionally, the findings show that undergraduates who have accepting attitudes of prescription stimulant misuse and who have peers that misuse prescription stimulants are also at an increased likelihood of misusing prescription stimulants. Furthermore, males were at an increased likelihood of prescription stimulant misuse for academic purposes if they had experienced grade strain during the past academic year in comparison to their female counterparts. Female undergraduates, on the other hand, were four times more likely than male undergraduates to obtain prescription stimulants from their close friends for free.
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Date Issued
2015
Identifier
CFE0005854, ucf:50908
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005854
Development of a Definition and Measure for the Study of Violent Mass Victimization
Title
Development of a Definition and Measure for the Study of Violent Mass Victimization.
Creator
Weller, Mindy, Corzine, Harold, Ford, Jason, Gay, David, Potter, Roberto, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
For decades there has been a growing body of literature and research on the topic of mass murder with no attention paid to incidents of mass violence whose death toll falls just short of the minimum three body requirement. The purpose of this study is to address this gap and develop a valid and reliable definitional measure for the future study of violent mass victimization events. A mixed methods approach was employed and consisted of assessing 1,118 news articles collected from 42 U.S....
Show moreFor decades there has been a growing body of literature and research on the topic of mass murder with no attention paid to incidents of mass violence whose death toll falls just short of the minimum three body requirement. The purpose of this study is to address this gap and develop a valid and reliable definitional measure for the future study of violent mass victimization events. A mixed methods approach was employed and consisted of assessing 1,118 news articles collected from 42 U.S. states for the years of 2009 through 2012. These articles were collapsed into a sample size of 550 cases for the initial measure testing phase. The articles were used to identify themes related to mass violent events and operationalized for statistical testing. Once the measure had been tested, 682 cases of mass violence were obtained from the National Incident Based Reporting System for the years of 2009 through 2012. These data were used to test the mass violent victimization measure. Bivariate, OLS, and logistic regressions were conducted in the testing of the measure. Results of the study showed the measure to be reliable and suitable for future research on incidents of mass violence.
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Date Issued
2016
Identifier
CFE0006416, ucf:51460
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006416
Dating violence victimization and substance use: Do genes play a role?
Title
Dating violence victimization and substance use: Do genes play a role?.
Creator
Yohros, Alexis, Ford, Jason, Reckdenwald, Amy, Hinojosa, Melanie, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Dating violence (DV) victimization in adolescence has been shown to be predictive of both negative emotions and delinquent behavior later in life. However, research that delves into DV victimization and subsequent outcomes, such as deviant behavior, is largely atheoretical. Robert Agnew's general strain theory (GST) provides a theoretical framework to address this limitation. In focusing on negative interactions with others, the theory posits that strain produces negative affect states which...
Show moreDating violence (DV) victimization in adolescence has been shown to be predictive of both negative emotions and delinquent behavior later in life. However, research that delves into DV victimization and subsequent outcomes, such as deviant behavior, is largely atheoretical. Robert Agnew's general strain theory (GST) provides a theoretical framework to address this limitation. In focusing on negative interactions with others, the theory posits that strain produces negative affect states which leads to deviant or criminal coping. Prior research has identified victimization as a strain, a type of noxious stimuli, which is significantly related to negative emotionality, crime, and deviance. I build on this literature by examining the relationship between dating violence victimization, negative emotionality, and substance use. In addition, little research to date has examined the role that biological factors play in moderating these relationships. Using Add Health, and drawing on two separate, but related, theories, I explore whether the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) interacts with dating violence victimization to affect depressive symptoms and self-reported substance use. The analytic strategy involved a series of logistic regressions separated by gender. Results show DV victimization is significantly related to increased odds of binge drinking in males, DV victimization is significantly related to marijuana use for both males and females, and 5-HTTLPR moderates the effect of DV victimization on marijuana use for females only. Although depression does not mediate the relationship between DV victimization and substance use, results show depressive symptoms are independently associated with increased odds of marijuana use. Utility of a GST and biosocial model, implications, and avenues for future research are discussed.
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Date Issued
2017
Identifier
CFE0006826, ucf:51762
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006826
Extracurricular Activities and Substance Use Among Adolescents: A Test of Social Control and Social Learning Theory
Title
Extracurricular Activities and Substance Use Among Adolescents: A Test of Social Control and Social Learning Theory.
Creator
Coto, Lynnette, Ford, Jason, Corzine, Harold, Reckdenwald, Amy, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
The current research examines correlates of adolescent substance use with a focus on extracurricular activities. Given that marijuana is the most widely used illicit drug, and binge drinking can have an early onset the examinations of these two substances were important. Many studies have researched the correlation between substance use and sports, but have not included other extracurricular activities such as academic and fine art clubs. The current research fills this gap in the literature...
Show moreThe current research examines correlates of adolescent substance use with a focus on extracurricular activities. Given that marijuana is the most widely used illicit drug, and binge drinking can have an early onset the examinations of these two substances were important. Many studies have researched the correlation between substance use and sports, but have not included other extracurricular activities such as academic and fine art clubs. The current research fills this gap in the literature by using the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) and by testing Hirschi's (1969) Social Control Theory and Aker's (1985) Social Learning Theory. The current research identified fine art and academic clubs as protective factors for adolescent substance use. There is limited research on the link between adolescent substance use and extracurricular activities and based on my findings that academic and fine arts clubs can decrease the likelihood of substance use, continued research is needed to better identify users, causes for risk and preventative factors, short and long term ramifications, and the theoretical correlations of use.
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Date Issued
2016
Identifier
CFE0006287, ucf:51607
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006287
Sexual Violence Victimization and Prescription Drug Misuse: An Analysis Using General Strain Theory
Title
Sexual Violence Victimization and Prescription Drug Misuse: An Analysis Using General Strain Theory.
Creator
Pomykacz, Corey, Ford, Jason, Reckdenwald, Amy, Rivera, Fernando, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Sexual violence among college women is a widespread and severe public health issue in the United States. When compared to women in the general public, collegiate women are at an increased risk of sexual violence. Sexual violence can result in damaging and long-term consequences for the victim. Consequences of sexual violence include physical injuries, psychological distress, social withdrawal, poor grades and participation in health risk behaviors. While a connection between sexual violence...
Show moreSexual violence among college women is a widespread and severe public health issue in the United States. When compared to women in the general public, collegiate women are at an increased risk of sexual violence. Sexual violence can result in damaging and long-term consequences for the victim. Consequences of sexual violence include physical injuries, psychological distress, social withdrawal, poor grades and participation in health risk behaviors. While a connection between sexual violence victimization and negative outcomes is well established, most of the research in this area is atheoretical. To address this gap in the literature this study relied on Robert Agnew's General Strain theory (GST), one of the most empirically validated theories of crime and deviance. The current research examines the relationship between strain (sexual violence victimization), negative affect (anger and depression), and deviant coping (prescription drug misuse). Methodology: The data for the current research are from the National College Health Assessment (NCHA), a national study of the health related behaviors of college students, which was organized by the American College Health Association (ACHA). Schools selected for inclusion in the study either surveyed their entire student population or randomly selected students for participation. The current research used data from multiple data collection periods (Fall 2008 to Spring 2011) and includes 379,584 respondents. Findings: Findings are supportive of General Strain Theory. College women who have been sexually violated are more likely to report both negative affect and prescription drug misuse. In addition, the relationship between sexual violence victimization and prescription drug misuse is partially mediated by negative affect with depression being the stronger mediator.
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Date Issued
2017
Identifier
CFE0006780, ucf:51817
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006780
A Look at Jail-Based Reentry Programs
Title
A Look at Jail-Based Reentry Programs.
Creator
Weller, Mindy, Corzine, Harold, Ford, Jason, Gay, David, Potter, Roberto, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Over the years correctional-based reentry programs have gained the attention of academics and government officials alike. Academic research has focused primarily on programs implemented in prisons and juvenile facilities. Reentry programs operating out of jails have been vastly under represented amongst these studies. This research study works towards closing this gap by examining jail-based reentry programs by observing the influences of age, race, gender, level of offense (misdemeanor...
Show moreOver the years correctional-based reentry programs have gained the attention of academics and government officials alike. Academic research has focused primarily on programs implemented in prisons and juvenile facilities. Reentry programs operating out of jails have been vastly under represented amongst these studies. This research study works towards closing this gap by examining jail-based reentry programs by observing the influences of age, race, gender, level of offense (misdemeanor/felony), and program completion on recidivism. Findings were measured for both those who participated but did not complete the programs and those who successfully completed the programs. Data from three jail-based reentry programs in Florida were first analyzed using a Chi-square test and then through binary logistic regression. Determining the strength of the relationships between the independent variables facilitated contextualization of the binary logistic regression results. The results of this research are discussed, and additional directions for future jail-based reentry research are presented.
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Date Issued
2012
Identifier
CFE0004456, ucf:49359
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004456