REVIEWING THEORIES OF ADOLESCENT SUBSTANCE USE - ORGANIZING PIECES INTHE PUZZLE

This article reviews 14 multivariate theories of experimental substanc e use (e.g., alcohol and marijuana use) among adolescents, including t hose theories that emphasize (a) substance-specific cognitions, (b) so cial learning processes, (c) commitment to conventional values and att achment to families, and (d) intrapersonal processes. Important simila rities and differences among these theories are addressed, as are the conceptual boundaries of each theory. in an attempt to integrate exist ing theories, a framework is proposed that organizes their central con structs into 3 distinct types of influence (viz., social, attitudinal, and intrapersonal) and 3 distinct levels of influence (viz., proximal , distal, and ultimate). Implications for future theory development ar e discussed.