Protection and vulnerability processes relevant for early onset of substance use: A test among African American children

This research tested predictions from a self-regulation model of factors re levant for early onset of tobacco and alcohol use with a community sample o f 889 African American children (mean age = 10.5 years). Criterion variable s were peer substance use, willingness to use substances, and resistance ef ficacy (intention to refuse substance offers). Structural modeling indicate d effects of temperament dimensions were mediated through self-control and risk-taking constructs, which were related to school involvement, life even ts, and perceived vulnerability to harmful effects of substances. Peer use was predicted by life events, poor self-control, and parent-child conflict; willingness was predicted by life events, risk taking, and (inversely) par ental support; and resistance efficacy was predicted by perceived vulnerabi lity and (inversely) poor self-control. Findings are discussed with referen ce to theoretical models of early protection and vulnerability processes.