The relationship between empowerment and substance use intentions and problematic school behaviors during adolescence: The mediating effects of positive future expectations

Francesca De Geronimo

Pronouns: She/her/hers

Research Mentor(s): Sarah Stoddard, Associate Professor
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Systems Leadership and Effectiveness Science, School of Nursing
Presentation Date: Thursday, April 22, 2021
Session: Session 3 (1pm-1:50pm)
Breakout Room: Room 4
Presenter: 3

Event Link

Abstract

While there is extensive research about adolescent substance use prevention, little is known about the role that future expectations – an aspect of psychological empowerment – can have in preventing adolescent substance use. In this study, we assess adolescents’ future expectations – positive and negative – and the likelihood of using substances within the year through pre-and post-tests. A total of 470 youth aged 9-14 from 16 different schools across 12 different states took the tests. The tests were given in-person at the beginning and the end of the school year. An analysis of the test results suggests that future expectations decrease adolescents’ likelihood of using substances within the year. In other words, psychological empowerment is associated with future expectations. This means that future expectations as a mechanism of psychological empowerment can play a role in protecting adolescents from substance use. Thus, our results suggest that we should consider incorporating future expectations in adolescent substance use prevention programs.

Authors: Francesca De Geronimo
Research Method: Library/Archival/Internet Research