Title:
Path of initiation differences in female adolescent heroin use: the effect of partner influence
Author:
Cindy S. Eaves
Thesis Advisor:
Deborah G. Haskins
Committee Member:
Amanda M. Thomas
Committee Member:
Matthew W. Kirkhart
Degree Granting Institution:
Loyola University Maryland--College of Arts and Sciences
Place:
Baltimore (Md.)
Publisher:
Loyola University Maryland
Date Created:
2002
Type of Resource:
text
Genre:
thesis
Language:
eng
Format:
application/pdf
Physical Form:
electronic
Digital Source:
reformatted digital
Abstract:
The Peer Cluster Theory proposes that the influence of peers in substance use initiation is greatest within small dyads, such as best friends or couples (Oetting and Beauvais, 1987a). While research demonstrates support for the Peer Cluster Theory among adult opiate using couples, existing literature does not examine whether similar patterns exist for female adolescent heroin users. The following study examined the prevalence and effect of partner influence among 16 female adolescents. Differences in personality style and victimization by a partner were compared between adolescents introduced to heroin by a boyfriend or male friend (IHB) and those introduced to heroin by other means (IHO) using the Millon Adolescent Clinical Inventory (MACI) and the Abusive Behavior Inventory (ABI). As expected, participants were more than twice as likely to be introduced to heroin by a male friend or boyfriend than by any other means. The majority of those introduced to heroin by a male were introduced by a male friend rather than a romantic partner. No relationship was found between path of initiation (IHB, IHO) and route of administration (ever injected, never injected). However, 75% of participants reported injecting heroin at some time during their history of use. Participants were no more likely to be introduced to injection by a boyfriend or male friend than by other means. In a comparison of path of initiation groups on progression of substance use, IHO adolescents began using heroin at an earlier age, while IHB adolescents demonstrated a quicker progression from first marijuana to first heroin use. No differences in personality were demonstrated between IHB and IHO groups on subscales of the MACI, however a similar clinical profile emerged for both groups. IHB and IHO groups scored within the clinical range on the Substance Abuse Proneness, Delinquent Predisposition, Unruly, and Family Discord subscales. As expected, IHB females reported higher rates of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse within dating relationships compared to IHO females. The results of this research support the Peer Cluster Theory of substance use, as well as provide insight into opposite-gender peer influence in a female adolescent population of heroin users. These findings have numerous implications for the delivery of prevention and treatment services among this population.
Subject:
Million Adolescent Clinical Inventory
Subject:
Heroin abuse--Maryland
Subject:
Personality assessment of teenagers
Subject:
Teenagers--Drug abuse
Subject:
Interpersonal relations in adolescence
Subject:
Heroin abuse
Subject:
Maryland
Degree:
Doctor of Psychology
Level:
Doctoral
Discipline:
Psychology
Restrictions on Access:
Author has not informed the Library of online preferences. This work is made available to the Loyola Notre Dame Library basic constituency.
Use and Reproduction:
The authors of theses and dissertations are the copyright owners. Loyola Notre Dame Library has their permission to store and provide access to these works. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by copyright beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Permission is required to use materials for which Loyola Notre Dame Library, Loyola University Maryland, or Notre Dame of Maryland University hold copyright. In addition, the reproduction of some materials may be restricted by terms of gift of purchase agreements, donor restrictions, privacy and publicity rights, licensing and trademarks. Works not in the public domain cannot be commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owner. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user.
Identifier:
EavesCS-02
