General Strain Theory, Depression, and Substance Use: Results From a Nationally Representative, Longitudinal Sample of White, African-American, and Hispanic Adolescents and Young Adults. Issue 1 (2nd January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Peck, Jennifer H.; Childs, Kristina K.; Jennings, Wesley G.; Brady, Caitlin M.
• Is Part Of: Journal of child & adolescent substance abuse. Volume 27:Issue 1(2018)
• Page Start: 11
• Page End: 28
• Publication Date: 2018-01-02
• Subjects: depression -- race/ethnicity -- strain -- substance use; Drug abuse -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Teenagers -- Drug use -- Periodicals; 616.860083
• DOI: 10.1080/1067828X.2017.1396516
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1067-828X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Based on the interpretations of Agnew's general strain theory (GST), White, African-American, and Hispanic adolescents and young adults were examined longitudinally to identify the intersection between strain and depression that could produce a long-term effect on substance use. Results from full sample and group-based path models indicate that some support was found for the general tenets of GST. African-Americans were significantly different from Whites and Hispanics in regard to experiencing certain types of strain; however, the results were not always in the anticipated direction. Possible theoretical reasons for the findings and directions for future research are discussed.