"...you would probably want to do it. Cause that's what made them popular": Exploring perceptions of inhalant utility among young adolescent nonusers and occasional users.
With an eye toward future primary prevention efforts, this study explores perceptions of inhalant utility among young adolescents in the United States. The study makes use of data gathered via nine focus groups conducted in Tucson, Arizona in 2004 (N = 47, mean age = 13.2 years). Three main themes emerged concerning the perceived utility of inhalant use: (1) Inhalant use as a means of mental escape, (2) Inhalant use as a social tool, and (3) Inhalant use as a parental relations tool. Additionally, participants discussed an interaction hypothesis regarding inhalant use and popularity. Implications for future research are suggested and limitations described.
Claremont Graduate University, 150 E10th Street, Claremont CA 91711, USA. Jason.siegel@cgu.edu
Jason T
JT
Siegel
Eusebio M
EM
Alvaro
Neil
N
Patel
William D
WD
Crano
D000293:Adolescent; D001130:Arizona; D002648:Child; D003469:Culture; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006608:Hierarchy, Social; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D008297:Male; D002189:Marijuana Abuse / Q000523:psychology; D009042:Motivation; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D010379:Peer Group; D012925:Social Conformity; D012932:Social Facilitation; D012933:Social Identification; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*