Risk and protective factors related to alcohol and drug use amongst American Indian youth: An application of the social development model

Abstract

The goal of this study is to assess the relevance of the Social Development Model (SDM) in predicting substance use across American Indian (AI) youth. We rely on self-reported data collected as part of the 2004 Arizona Youth Survey (AYS). The final sample included 2,912 AI students from 169 schools in 15 counties. Results indicate relatively high levels of alcohol and drug use amongst AI youth. Overall, we find the SDM as a promising framework for identifying risk factors associated with the increased likelihood of alcohol and drug use amongst AI youth.

Keywords:

• American Indian youth
• social development model
• alcohol and drug use
• risk and
• protective factors

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission for providing data used for this study.

Notes

1 Poor family management was operationalized using items that measured the guiding and monitoring of youth by parents/guardians. Measures included: The rules in my family are clear. My parents ask if I've gotten my homework done. When I am not at home, one of my parents knows where I am and who I am with. Would your parents know if you did not come home on time? My family has clear rules about alcohol and drug use. If you drank some beer or wine or hard liquor (for example, vodka, whiskey or gin) without your parents' permission, would you be caught by your parents? If you carried a handgun without your parents' permission, would you be caught by your parents? and If you skipped school, would you be caught by your parents?