Social Learning Theory and Nonmedical Prescription Drug Use Among Adolescents

Bibliographic Data

ID2154693
AuthorsJason A Ford (0000-0003-0070-5062, University of Central Florida, corresponding author)
Year2008
Volume28
Issue3
Pages299-316
Publication date2008-04-03
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueSociological Spectrum (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0273-2173 • E-ISSN: 1521-0707
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/02732170801898471
OpenAlexW2027875444
LanguageEN
Citations received21
References cited51

Adolescent substance use is an important area of research in sociology; however, there is a lack of research on nonmedical prescription drug use. The dearth of research on this topic is problematic given the relatively high prevalence of use among adolescents, the drastic increase in use in recent years, and the potential negative consequences from misusing prescription drugs. Using data from a national sample of adolescents, this research fills an important gap in the literature by testing one of the most prominent theories of deviance: social learning theory. Findings support variables related to social learning theory as correlates of nonmedical prescription drug use. Adolescents with definitions that are pro-substance use, whose peers use drugs, and whose parents and peers have attitudes that condone substance use are more likely to report nonmedical prescription drug use in the past year. Important implications and future research directions are discussed

Developmental psychology · Drug · Logistic regression · Medical prescription · Odds · Prescription drug · Prescription Drug Misuse · Psychiatry · Social learning theory · Substance use · Behavioral Health and Interventions · Clinical Psychology · Medicine · Psychology · Psychology of Moral and Emotional Judgment · Social Psychology · Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes · Pharmacology