Role of general and specific competence skills in protecting inner-city adolescents from alcohol use

Objective: The purpose of this longitudinal investigation was to rest wheth er higher levels of general competence are linked ro greater refusal assert iveness that is, in turn, related to less subsequent alcohol use among inne r-city adolescents. Method: A large sample of students attending 22 middle and junior high schools in New York City participated. Students completed s urveys at baseline, at 1-year follow-up and at 2-year follow-up (N = 1,459; 54% female). The students self-reported alcohol use, decision-making skill s, self-efficacy and refusal assertiveness. Teams of three to live data col lectors administered the questionnaire following a standardized protocol. T he data were collected in school during a regular 40-minute class period. R esults: According to the tested structural equation model, Decision Making (beta = .07, p < .05) and Self-Efficacy (beta = .24, p < .001) predicted hi gher Refusal Assertiveness and this greater assertiveness predicted less dr inking at the 2-year follow-up (beta = - .21, p < .001). Earlier drinking p redicted 2-year follow-up drinking (beta = .40, p < .001). Goodness-of-fit indices were excellent (chi(2) = 1107.9, 238 df, N = 1,438, p < .001; NFI = .93, NNFI = .94, CFI = .95). Conclusions: The tested model had a good fit and was parsimonious and consistent with theory. This research highlights t he importance of addressing decision-making skills, self-efficacy and refus al assertiveness within adolescent alcohol prevention programs.