Multivariate Model of Antisocial Behavior and Substance Use in Spanish Adolescents

This study was designed to examine the causal paths that predict antisocial behavior and the consumption of legal and illegal substances (drugs) in adolescents. The sample comprised 1,629 adolescents, 786 males and 843 females, between 14 and 18 years old. All participants provided reports of family, school, personality, and peer-group factors related to substance consumption and antisocial behavior in adolescence. A biopsychosocial multivariate model was used to predict both legal and illegal substance use, and an adequate match was obtained for both. However, much more variance was accounted for in legal compared to illegal substance use. The major predictors of alcohol and marijuana use were personality factors (aggression and impulsivity) and scholarly factors (adaptation to school and good grades) whereas the major predictor of illegal drug use was negative peer relations (violence and non-conformity). Identification of associated risk factors serves as a basis for appropriate prevention programs to reduce antisocial behaviors and substance use in adolescents.