The Relationship Between Internalizing and Externalizing Behavior Problems and Prospective Self on Adolescent Alcohol and Marijuana Use Occasions

Abstract

Background: Adolescent alcohol and marijuana use present an increasing concern among researchers as the number of adolescents using these substances is substantial. Objective: This study aims to understand the effects of internalizing behavior problems, externalizing behavior problems, and prospective self on alcohol and marijuana use occurrences. Methods: We used data collected at ages 15–17 years old (n=2017). Two linear regression analyses were conducted to model the relationship between internalizing and externalizing behavior problems, prospective self (as predictor variables), and alcohol and marijuana use (as outcome variables), respectively. For each linear regression, the models were run, one for alcohol use and one for marijuana use. For model 2, covariate variables were included, and for model 3, interaction effects among the predictor variables were included. Results: For alcohol, a higher level of externalizing behavior problems was associated with a higher level of alcohol use occasions, while a higher level of prospective self was associated with a lower level of alcohol use occasions. For marijuana, a higher level of externalizing behavior problems was associated with a higher level of marijuana use occasions, while a higher level of internalizing behavior problems and prospective self was associated with a lower level of marijuana use occasions. Conclusions: These findings provide insight into risk and protective factors for alcohol and marijuana usage, which can inform the development of prevention and treatment programs.