Adolescent religiousness and its influence on substance use: preliminary findings from the Mid-Atlantic School Age Twin Study.

摘要: Research has consistently shown that religiousness is associated with lower levels of alcohol and drug use, but little known about the nature adolescent or mechanisms through which it influences problem behavior in this age group. This paper presents preliminary results from Mid-Atlantic School Age Twin Study, a prospective, population-based study 6‐18-year-old twins their mothers. Factor analysis scale developed to characterize religiousness, Religious Atti tudes Practices Inventory (RAPI), revealed three factors: theism, religious/spiritual practices, peer religiousness. correlations univariate behavior-genetic models for these factors measure belief use si nful reveal 357 twin pairs common environmental significantly influence traits, minor genetic could not be discounted. Correlations between multiple substance comorbid behavior, mood disorders, selected risk involvement are also presented. Structural equation modeling illustrates specific religious beliefs sinfulness drugs level mediate relationship theistic practices on use. Limitations future analyses discussed.