Gender Differences in Correlates of Substance Use: Implications for Prevention.

This study was conducted to determine whether gender differences exist on a number of psychosocial variables that are correlated with the use of tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana. Subjects were 1,465 students from 22 schools in three regions of New York State who were in the seventh grade during the 1985-1986 school year. Students completed questionnaires in September 1985, January 1986, and May 1987. Data were obtained on these factors: basic demographic information; self-reported use of tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana; and various measures of cognitive, attitudinal, and personality variables believed to be correlated with the use of tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana. Data from Time 1 and Time 3 suggest substantial and interesting gender differences in the correlates of substance use. Differences were especially apparent when examining alcohol use as compared to the use of tobacco and marijuana, suggesting that the roots of the difficulties men have with alcohol are probably to be found in adolescence. Decision-making skill was negatively correlated with the use of tobacco and alcohol for boys only. Self-esteem, problem-solving confidence, and academic esteem were related to the use of all three substances for girls only. Risk-taking, a lack of self-control, and an inability to refuse requests from peers were related to substance use for both genders. These findings have implications for prevention efforts with this age group. (NB)