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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
Classroom Based Substance Use Prevention Programs: A Meta-Analysis
Title
Classroom Based Substance Use Prevention Programs: A Meta-Analysis.
Creator
Boucher, Alyssa, ,, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
This paper reports on a meta-analysis performed on forty one studies evaluating classroom-based substance abuse primary prevention programs. Studies included were delivered in a classroom to the general student body, had a primary focus of substance abuse prevention, measured behavior change, and were published in peer-reviewed outlets between 2000 and 2011. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis was used to calculate a random effects Cohen's d and moderator analyses were conducted. Results indicated a...
Show moreThis paper reports on a meta-analysis performed on forty one studies evaluating classroom-based substance abuse primary prevention programs. Studies included were delivered in a classroom to the general student body, had a primary focus of substance abuse prevention, measured behavior change, and were published in peer-reviewed outlets between 2000 and 2011. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis was used to calculate a random effects Cohen's d and moderator analyses were conducted. Results indicated a significant effect for alcohol (d=0.10) and tobacco (d=0.09) in multi-target interventions. Specific program components and characteristics associated with more effective prevention programs are discussed. Despite the best efforts of those who develop and deliver intervention programs, as a whole, the impact is smaller than (")small.(") New or evolved programs should seek to incorporate the best predictors of effectiveness thereby improving efficacy.
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Date Issued
2012
Identifier
CFE0004360, ucf:49443
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004360
Predicting child maltreatment potential in mothers who are substance-involved: A study of childhood adversity, stress, affectivity, emotion dysregulation, and emotion regulation strategies as mechanisms of action
Title
Predicting child maltreatment potential in mothers who are substance-involved: A study of childhood adversity, stress, affectivity, emotion dysregulation, and emotion regulation strategies as mechanisms of action.
Creator
Lowell, Amanda, Renk, Kimberly, Paulson, Daniel, Sims, Valerie, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Compared to the general population, parents who are substance-involved are both more likely to have experienced adversity during childhood and to exhibit elevated child maltreatment potential later in life. Within this population, mothers with young children are particularly at-risk. In order to enhance scientific understanding of this phenomenon, this study identified and examined several characteristics that were shown previously to be related to substance misuse and to the experience and...
Show moreCompared to the general population, parents who are substance-involved are both more likely to have experienced adversity during childhood and to exhibit elevated child maltreatment potential later in life. Within this population, mothers with young children are particularly at-risk. In order to enhance scientific understanding of this phenomenon, this study identified and examined several characteristics that were shown previously to be related to substance misuse and to the experience and perpetration of maltreatment. These characteristics included stress, affectivity, emotion dysregulation, and emotion regulation strategies. The current study examined these variables collectively in order to clarify the mechanisms at play in the intergenerational transmission of childhood adversity within the substance-involved population. As part of this study, 127 mothers who were in treatment for substance use problems and who had young children ranging in age from 0- to 5-years rated their own childhood adversity, parenting stress, positive and negative affect, emotion dysregulation, emotion regulation strategies, and child maltreatment potential. Correlational analyses demonstrated many significant relationships among these characteristics. In addition, hierarchical regression analyses suggested that several characteristics (i.e., adverse childhood experiences, childhood maltreatment, parenting stress, positive affect, negative affect, and emotion dysregulation) added unique incremental variance to the prediction of child maltreatment potential. Moderation analyses indicated that parenting stress moderated the relationship between childhood maltreatment and positive affect. Exploratory mediation analyses demonstrated that emotion dysregulation mediated the relationship between childhood maltreatment and child maltreatment potential. Finally, exploratory logistic regression analyses demonstrated that adverse childhood experiences predicted involvement with the child welfare system, even when other mechanisms of action were accounted for. In these analyses, emotion dysregulation approached significance. Overall, this study demonstrated the importance of emotion dysregulation as a central characteristic that links the experience of childhood adversity, an elevated likelihood of substance misuse, and increased child maltreatment potential. Accordingly, these findings suggested the need to address emotion dysregulation as part of trauma-informed intervention efforts for this population. Integrative strategies such as these may reduce emotional and behavioral symptoms following the experience of childhood adversity, increase the likelihood of maintaining sobriety, improve parent-child relationships, and decrease child maltreatment potential.
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Date Issued
2017
Identifier
CFE0006760, ucf:51850
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006760
MUSIC PREFERENCE AS A MEDIATOR BETWEEN ETHNICITY AND PERCEPTIONS OF ACCEPTABILITY AND HARM WITH SUBSTANCE USE
Title
MUSIC PREFERENCE AS A MEDIATOR BETWEEN ETHNICITY AND PERCEPTIONS OF ACCEPTABILITY AND HARM WITH SUBSTANCE USE.
Creator
De Kemper, Deedra, Wright, Chrysalis, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
The purpose of this study was to examine the interaction between substance use messages in music media and how it impacts perception of substance and current substance use for different ethnicities. Four hundred and eighty four participants were recruited from a large southeastern university. Participant ethnicities included Caucasian, Hispanic, African American and Asian. This study examined frequency of substance use messages in popular music lyrics and music videos, along with participant...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to examine the interaction between substance use messages in music media and how it impacts perception of substance and current substance use for different ethnicities. Four hundred and eighty four participants were recruited from a large southeastern university. Participant ethnicities included Caucasian, Hispanic, African American and Asian. This study examined frequency of substance use messages in popular music lyrics and music videos, along with participant self-reported ethnicity and, rates of substance use and perceived risk from substance use. Differences in perception of risk and current substance use were indicated between Caucasian and African American participants. Interestingly, an inverse relationship between exposure to substance use messages and perception of risk of harm from substance use was noted, with more frequent exposure being correlated with greater perceived risk and lower current substance use. Regression analysis indicated that ethnicity predicted frequency of substance use messages in music media, and exposure to substance use messaged predicted both perception of risk of harm from substance use and current substance use, supporting the hypothesized role of music as a mediator between ethnicity and substance use.
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Date Issued
2014
Identifier
CFH0004623, ucf:45311
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004623
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SUBSTANCE USE AND SOCIAL CLASS AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS
Title
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SUBSTANCE USE AND SOCIAL CLASS AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS.
Creator
Little, Kelcey, Wright, Chrysalis L., University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Alcohol and substance use among a college population has become a norm for our society. Even more intriguing are the possible factors that may lead to use and abuse of alcohol and substances. The purpose of the current study was to examine the relationship between multiple participant characteristics (i.e., ethnicity, gender, year in college, socioeconomic status) and alcohol and substance use. A total of 902 participants from the University of Central Florida answered multiple questionnaires...
Show moreAlcohol and substance use among a college population has become a norm for our society. Even more intriguing are the possible factors that may lead to use and abuse of alcohol and substances. The purpose of the current study was to examine the relationship between multiple participant characteristics (i.e., ethnicity, gender, year in college, socioeconomic status) and alcohol and substance use. A total of 902 participants from the University of Central Florida answered multiple questionnaires via the Sona system. Items in the questionnaires included topics such as demographic variables, social class variables, and items regarding alcohol and substance use in the past thirty days. The majority of participants were white females with an average age of 21.58. This study hypothesized that participants who identify as white males, those classified as a junior or senior in class standing, as well as those in a higher socioeconomic status would be more likely to report alcohol and substance use when compared to other participants. The current study also sought to assess how these different factors combine to best predict alcohol and substance use among a college sample. Data in the study was analyzed using SPSS in which correlations, t-tests, and an ANOVA were used to determine how participant characteristics and alcohol and substance use among college students are related. Linear regression analyses were conducted as well to determine how different participant characteristics can combine to best predict alcohol and substance use among college students. Results indicated that those participants whom identify as being white males, participants in a higher socioeconomic status, and, participants in later years of college are more likely to partake in alcohol and substance use. Results also indicated that the main factors that predicted alcohol and substance use are social class and year in college.
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Date Issued
2016
Identifier
CFH2000019, ucf:45579
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000019
Evaluation of the Expectancy Challenge Alcohol Literacy Curriculum (ECALC) for High School Students
Title
Evaluation of the Expectancy Challenge Alcohol Literacy Curriculum (ECALC) for High School Students.
Creator
Boucher, Alyssa, Dunn, Michael, Renk, Kimberly, Dunn, Stacey, Linkovich Kyle, Tiffany, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Prevention efforts targeted at children and adolescents are important because alcohol consumption contributes to the three leading causes of death in this among 12-20 year-olds: unintentional injury, homicide, and suicide. Research on the causes of alcohol misuse traditionally focused on pharmacological and genetic explanations, but models have expanded to include cognitive processes in the development of alcohol use patterns. Alcohol expectancies, or beliefs about the effects of alcohol, are...
Show morePrevention efforts targeted at children and adolescents are important because alcohol consumption contributes to the three leading causes of death in this among 12-20 year-olds: unintentional injury, homicide, and suicide. Research on the causes of alcohol misuse traditionally focused on pharmacological and genetic explanations, but models have expanded to include cognitive processes in the development of alcohol use patterns. Alcohol expectancies, or beliefs about the effects of alcohol, are an important influence on drinking behavior. Expectancies exist prior to the initial drinking experience, predict the onset of alcohol consumption, differentiate both children and adults in terms of light- and heavy-drinking patterns, mediate the influence of precursors on alcohol use, and when manipulated, result in significantly decreased alcohol consumption in heavy-drinking college students.The Expectancy Challenge Alcohol Literacy Curriculum (ECALC) is a web-based, interactive intervention that leverages technology in order to challenge students' expectancies through a media literacy presentation based on research findings. The 45-minute curriculum links exposure to alcohol media with expectancy beliefs and drinking decisions, and focuses on decreasing the positive reinforcing value of alcohol. The ECALC does not necessarily erase former expectations, but introduces new information about the physiological effects of alcohol that may compete with pre-existing positive expectations for influence over the individual's behavior. Though the ECALC has been validated with college students, the present study involved revising and evaluating the program to be appropriate for high school students. Results revealed changes in expectancy processes for students who reported alcohol use initiation and changes in mean BAC among females in this group.
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Date Issued
2016
Identifier
CFE0006294, ucf:51581
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006294
FAMILY STRUGGLES AND SUBSTANCE USE AMONG FIRST GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENTS
Title
FAMILY STRUGGLES AND SUBSTANCE USE AMONG FIRST GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENTS.
Creator
Vehabovic, Barbara, Wright, Chrysalis, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
The current study seeks to examine the relationship between family struggles, as measured by social class and parental marital status, and substance use among first-generation college students. 902 students from the University of Central Florida participated in an online questionnaire that assessed their social class, parents' marital status, drug and alcohol use, as well as demographic variables. Results indicated a significant positive correlation between substance use and social class as...
Show moreThe current study seeks to examine the relationship between family struggles, as measured by social class and parental marital status, and substance use among first-generation college students. 902 students from the University of Central Florida participated in an online questionnaire that assessed their social class, parents' marital status, drug and alcohol use, as well as demographic variables. Results indicated a significant positive correlation between substance use and social class as well as generational status. Males were also more likely to use drugs and alcohol than females. A regression analysis indicated social class, gender, junior and senior academic years were all identified as significant predictors of drug and alcohol use, whereas college student generational status, parents' marital status, freshmen and sophomore academic years were not. There are various possible explanations that may account for the reasoning behind first-generation students not being vulnerable to substance use, including extensive stressors specific to that population as discussed with previous literature. The findings of the current study can be implicated throughout counseling centers and prevention programs among college campuses in order to decrease the high prevalence of substance use among college students and prevent negative consequences.
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Date Issued
2015
Identifier
CFH0004864, ucf:45489
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004864
THE ROLE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL SYMPTOMS IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES AND SUBSTANCE MISUSE
Title
THE ROLE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL SYMPTOMS IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES AND SUBSTANCE MISUSE.
Creator
Merkley, Melissa J, Renk, Kimberly, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Although previous research identified exposure to significant adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) as harmful to individuals in several psychological and physiological health domains, research examining the mechanisms of action driving this relationship has been lacking. As a result, the current study examined the role that psychological symptoms serve in the relationship between ACEs and substance misuse behaviors. The current study included a sample of 183 participants (i.e., 82 men and 101...
Show moreAlthough previous research identified exposure to significant adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) as harmful to individuals in several psychological and physiological health domains, research examining the mechanisms of action driving this relationship has been lacking. As a result, the current study examined the role that psychological symptoms serve in the relationship between ACEs and substance misuse behaviors. The current study included a sample of 183 participants (i.e., 82 men and 101 women) who completed five questionnaires assessing exposure to ACEs; psychological symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); and substance misuse behaviors. Correlational analyses indicated significant associations among the variables of interest. Exposure to ACEs was a significant predictor of substance misuse behaviors in both men and women. Additionally, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and PTSD symptoms were significant predictors of men's substance misuse behaviors, whereas only PTSD symptoms were a significant predictor of women's substance misuse behaviors. Symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD each contributed unique and significant variance to the relationship between ACEs and substance misuse behaviors in men, consistent with partial mediations. A different pattern of prediction was evident for women. Such findings suggested that psychological symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD may serve as a risk factor for substance misuse behaviors in men later in life, especially when they have had a history of ACEs. These results demonstrated the importance of promoting trauma-informed mental health care to remediate negative substance outcomes, particularly in those who have had significant ACEs. The importance of studying the relationships among these variables is discussed further.
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Date Issued
2019
Identifier
CFH2000557, ucf:45609
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000557
THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL CAPITAL ON YOUTH SUBSTANCE USE
Title
THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL CAPITAL ON YOUTH SUBSTANCE USE.
Creator
Unlu, Ali, Wan, Thomas, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Substance use, such as alcohol, cigarette, and marijuana, is a threat to the health and well-being of the youth, their families, and society as well. Government supports and implements several programs to protect youth from substance use. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of social capital on youth behavior and to suggest evidence-based policy interventions. Social capital refers to individual embeddedness in web of social relations and their behaviors guided by social structure...
Show moreSubstance use, such as alcohol, cigarette, and marijuana, is a threat to the health and well-being of the youth, their families, and society as well. Government supports and implements several programs to protect youth from substance use. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of social capital on youth behavior and to suggest evidence-based policy interventions. Social capital refers to individual embeddedness in web of social relations and their behaviors guided by social structure. Therefore, adolescents' social interactions with their peers, parents, and community were investigated. The substance use was measured by the usage of cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana, and inhalants in the past year. The type of activities adolescents participate in, the time and type of intra-familial interactions between parents and adolescents, and the type of peer groups adolescents interact with were employed as indicators of social capital. In other words, this study focuses on the relationship between youth substance use and the impact of parents, peers, and youth activities. Moreover, the study examined not only the correlation between social capital and substance use, but also the variation in substance use among youth by age, gender, ethnicity, income level, and mobility. The data, National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2005, 2006, and 2007), was collected by the United States Department of Health and Human Service, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Office of Applied Studies. The sample size for each year was around 17.000. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to test the hypothesized. The results of the statistical analysis supported the research hypothesis.Findings show that there is a relationship between youth substance use and social capital. All three dimensions of social capital (peer impact, family attachments, and youth activities) were found to be statistically significant. While peer influence is positively correlated with substance use, family attachment and youth activities have a negative relationship with substance use. The impact of social capital however varies by age, gender, ethnicity, mobility, and income level. The study also contributes to the social capital literature by integrating different perspectives in social capital and substance use literature. Moreover, it successfully demonstrates how social capital can be utilized as a policy and intervention tool.
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Date Issued
2009
Identifier
CFE0002700, ucf:48237
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002700
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
RESILIENCY FACTORS AND PATHWAYS TO INCARCERATION IN FEMALE SURVIVORS OF CHILDHOOD SEXUAL ABUSE
Title
RESILIENCY FACTORS AND PATHWAYS TO INCARCERATION IN FEMALE SURVIVORS OF CHILDHOOD SEXUAL ABUSE.
Creator
Asberg, Kia, Renk, Kimberly, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Studies find consistently that survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) are likely to suffer from depression, post-traumatic stress, and problematic substance use, and may experience also a variety of adjustment difficulties in several emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal domains. Involvement with the legal system is one such outcome to consider, especially given the increasing number of women serving time in correctional facilities with nearly two-thirds of these women being survivors...
Show moreStudies find consistently that survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) are likely to suffer from depression, post-traumatic stress, and problematic substance use, and may experience also a variety of adjustment difficulties in several emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal domains. Involvement with the legal system is one such outcome to consider, especially given the increasing number of women serving time in correctional facilities with nearly two-thirds of these women being survivors of CSA (e.g., Browne, Miller, & Maguin, 1999). The current literature lacks comparisons between female survivors of CSA who have legal involvement and those who do not; hence, the current study addresses the need for a comprehensive investigation of early victimizations and later adjustment. Data were obtained from 169 female inmates and 420 female college students, a number of whom were survivors of CSA (66% and 35.5%, respectively), so that group differences could be examined and relationships among family environment, abuse disclosure history, coping, perceived social support, adjustment (i.e., trauma symptoms, substance abuse, depressive symptomatology, revictimization), and criminal history could be explored. Results suggested that inmate survivors experience poorer functioning overall relative to student survivors of CSA, including more depressive symptoms, trauma symptoms, and substance abuse. Further, avoidance coping by using substances mediated fully the relationship between trauma symptoms and substance abuse for both groups. Finally, severity of CSA, problematic substance use, and social support emerged as significant predictors of incarceration among survivors of CSA. Findings may aid in the refinement of interventions, prevention efforts, and educational programs regarding CSA, and shed light on pathways to incarceration.
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Date Issued
2008
Identifier
CFE0002331, ucf:47777
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002331