A Research Note on Adolescent Steroid Use: An Examination of Social Learning Theory and Self-Control Theory

Abstract

This study compared the criminological theories social learning theory and low self-control to determine their effects on adolescent steroid use. The data for this study came from the 12th-grade survey of the 2009 Monitoring the Future Project Form 6 that is a nationally representative sample. We found that social learning theory and the sex (i.e., male) of the adolescent are all significant predictors of adolescent steroid use.

Notes

*p < .05.

*p < .05.

*p < .05.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Anthony G. Vito

ANTHONY G. VITO has received both his Bachelor of Science and Masters of Science in Justice Administration from the University of Louisville. He has articles published in the International Journal of Police Science and Management, Journal of Ethnicity in Criminal Justice, and American Journal of Criminal Justice. His research interests include policing, drug research, and crime prevention.

George E. Higgins

GEORGE E. HIGGINS is an Associate Professor in the Department of Justice Administration at the University of Louisville. He received his Ph.D. in Criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2001. He is currently the editor of the Journal of Criminal Justice Education. His most recent publications appear or are forthcoming in the Journal of Criminal Justice, Deviant Behavior, Criminal Justice and Behavior, Youth and Society, and American Journal of Criminal Justice.