title: The utility of locus of control for predicting adolescent substance use.
abstract: Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to examine the utility of locus of control (LOC) for predicting adolescent substance use. As part of a larger three-wave cohort-sequential study (1983-1989), 155 secondary school-based adolescents completed questionnaires on substance use, personality characteristics, family/peer influences, and health behaviors. Latent variable indicators were developed from the Nowicki-Strickland Personal Reaction Survey and substance use survey items. LOC was a weak predictor of substance use. In two instances were relationships significant: (a) 7th grade LOC predicted 11th grade alcohol use; and, (b) 9th grade LOC correlated with 11th grade cannabis use. Small samples precluded analysis of gender and social class effects. SEM with panel data offers a methodological approach for examining the explanatory capability of LOC.
authors.affiliation: Graduate Studies in Adolescent Nursing, School of Nursing, School of Medicine, University of Minnesota, USA.
authors.forename: L H
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Bearinger
authors.forename: R W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Blum
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D010379:Peer Group; D010551:Personality; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D012923:Social Class; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires