title: The relationship between psychosocial features of emerging adulthood and substance use change motivation in youth.
abstract: Despite the peak prevalence of substance use and comorbid mental health problems during emerging adulthood little research has focused on understanding behavior change processes during this transitional period. This study extended Arnett's (2004) theory of the psychosocial features of emerging adulthood to explore how they may relate to treatment motivation (e.g., readiness to comply with treatment) and motivation to change (e.g., problem recognition and taking steps towards change). One hundred sixty-four youth presenting to outpatient substance abuse treatment completed questionnaires investigating problematic substance use, mental health, psychosocial features of emerging adulthood and motivation. Results of hierarchical regression analyses indicated that youth who perceived themselves as having greater responsibility towards others were more intrinsically motivated, recognized their substance use as problematic and were taking steps towards change. None of the other dimensions of emerging adulthood accounted for significant variance beyond relevant controls. Limitations, directions for future research and treatment implications are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 80 Workman Way, Toronto, Ontario M6J 1H4, Canada; Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto, 252 Bloor St. W., Toronto, Ontario M5S 1V6, Canada.
authors.forename: Ilana
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Goodman
authors.affiliation: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 80 Workman Way, Toronto, Ontario M6J 1H4, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, 250 College St., Toronto, Ontario M5T 1R8, Canada. Electronic address: joanna.henderson@camh.ca.
authors.forename: Joanna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Henderson
authors.affiliation: Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto, 252 Bloor St. W., Toronto, Ontario M5S 1V6, Canada.
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Peterson-Badali
authors.affiliation: Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto, 252 Bloor St. W., Toronto, Ontario M5S 1V6, Canada.
authors.forename: Abby L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Goldstein
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D009042:Motivation; D012919:Social Behavior; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Emerging adulthood; Motivation; Psychosocial processes; Substance use; Youth