Ethnic and gender differences and similarities in adolescent drug use and refusals of drug offers

Citation
Dg. Moon et al., Ethnic and gender differences and similarities in adolescent drug use and refusals of drug offers, SUBST USE M, 34(8), 1999, pp. 1059-1083
Citations number
55
Language
INGLESE
art.tipo
Article
Categorie Soggetti
Public Health & Health Care Science","Clinical Psycology & Psychiatry
Journal title
SUBSTANCE USE & MISUSE
ISSN journal
1082-6084 → ACNP
Volume
34
Issue
8
Year of publication
1999
Pages
1059 - 1083
Database
ISI
SICI code
1082-6084(1999)34:8<1059:EAGDAS>2.0.ZU;2-Y
Abstract
This paper examines the relationship among ethnicity, gender, drug use, and resistance to drug offers among a sample of 2,622 African American, Mexica n American, and White American seventh graders. A number of similarities we re noted. First, these adolescents did not seem to possess large or sophist icated repertoires of offer resistance strategies. Second, most offers came from acquaintances in contrast to more intimate offers among older youths. Ethnic and gender differences were also noted. Ethnicity had significant e ffects on use and the offer process. Mexican Americans received more offers , used more drugs, and were more likely to be offered drugs by peer family members and at parties. European Americans were more likely to receive drug offers from acquaintances and at friends' homes and on the street. African Americans were more likely to receive offers from dating partners and pare nts, and in the park, and were more likely to resist offers of drugs-using explanations. Gender significantly affected drug offers and types of offers . Males were more at risk for offers and use at a younger age. Offers of dr ugs to males were more likely to come from parents or other males, while of fers to females were more likely to come from other females or dating partn ers. Males also were more likely to receive drug offers that appeal to thei r social standing or self-image while females received either simple offers or these that minimize effects. Finally, offers of drugs to males were mor e likely to be made in public, while those to females were more likely to o ccur in private. Cultural explanations are offered for these findings.