The effects of relationships with older females on the substance abuse and mental health of adolescent boys

The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse
Jeni Loftus, Brian C Kelly

Abstract

The aim of this article is to describe the short-term effects of relationships with significantly older females on the substance use and mental health of adolescent boys. Weighted logistic regression and weighted least-squares regression were conducted using data from Waves 1 and 2 of the National Survey of Adolescent Health to determine the substance use and mental health effects of entry into an age-discordant relationship (n = 2318). The results indicate that boys involved in an age-discordant relationship, in comparison with boys in an age-similar relationship, were more likely to have recently smoked cigarettes, use higher quantities of alcohol, and experience higher levels of anxiety. There was no significant relationship between having been involved in an age-discordant relationship and having recently used marijuana or cocaine, as well as no relationship with displaying suicidality. There was a trend toward depressive symptoms and lower self-esteem among boys in age-discordant relationships. On the whole, entering a relationship with a significantly older female is associated with some substance abuse effects, particularly cigarette and alcohol use, for adolescent boys. These relationships may encourage early adoption o...Continue Reading

References

Mar 14, 1997·Drug and Alcohol Dependence·A Castillo MezzichS Parks
Jan 1, 2000·Addiction·M L Van EttenJ C Anthony
Nov 25, 2000·The Journal of Adolescent Health : Official Publication of the Society for Adolescent Medicine·B Vanoss MarínD B Kirby
Mar 5, 2003·Sexually Transmitted Diseases·Jennifer K LeeJonathan M Ellen
Sep 16, 2010·Journal of Youth and Adolescence·Jeni LoftusSarah A Mustillo

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Citations

Feb 18, 2016·Sexual Abuse : a Journal of Research and Treatment·Sara JonesShasha Bai

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