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Michael E. Young, PhD, Program in Health Science, University of Arkansas, 155 Stadium Drive, Fayetteville, AR 72701, 479-575-5639, myoung@uark.edu, Marilyn J. Wells, PhD, Department of Health, Physical Education, & Recreation, Hampton University, 533 E. Queen St., Hampton, VA 23668, and Joseph Donnelly, PhD, Montclair State University, 1 Normal Avenue, College Hall, Room 301, Upper Montclair, NJ 07043.
The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between self-esteem and measures of substance use among public school students in grades 6-12. Many substance abuse prevention programs address self-esteem enhancement as a part of the program. Thus, it seemed important to identify the relationship of self-esteem to the use of various substances. Participants in the study were 700 students in grades 6-12 from a single southern school district. Students voluntarily, and with parental permission, completed a questionnaire in their regular classroom setting. The questionnaire included nine items dealing with substance use and the Kelley short-form of the Hare Self-Esteem Scale. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and logistic regression. For seven of the nine measures there was a difference in peer self-esteem by use. Users and current users tended to have higher scores. In addition, for all nine measures there was a difference in both school and home self-esteem by level of use. Those who had not used and did not expect to use had higher self-esteem scores. A logistic regression was conducted for each measure of substance use. In each case peer, school, and home self-esteem were used as predictor variables. Results were significant for all nine measures, with the percent concordant ranging from 63.3 to 78.5. Results highlight the potential positive role of the home and school and potential negative peer influence. These results should be of use to prevention program developers.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Adolescent Health, Drug Use
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.