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The
Life Course and Health
Research Center
at
Florida International University
The Data collection phase of the Transitions Study was completed in early 2002. The remaining portion of the study will focus on analysis of the data and on the production of research papers. We would like to thank all the participants who contributed to this important research endeavor.
The proposed research is designed to study the substance use trajectories of two cohorts of Hispanic, African American, and non-Hispanic white young adults. It builds on a previously completed study of the same cohorts on whom substance use and related data were obtained at three points in time, 1990, 1991, 1993. Two additional waves of data collection are planned. The overall objective is to secure data useful to the development of substance use/abuse prevention/intervention programs. As part of this goal, the research is designed to identify how substance use/abuse influences the personal and social transitions from early and mid-adolescence to young adulthood. The specific aims include: a) a longitudinal epidemiologic assessment of the prevalence and incidence of substance use; b) the identification of risk and protective factors associated with substance use behaviors; c) to identify the relationships between acculturation processes/conflicts and substance use; d) to determine the relationships between rejection/derogation and substance use and other forms of social deviance; e) to determine the relationships between exposure to social stressors and substance use; f) to determine the relationships between social/personal resources, including mastery and personal control and substance use behaviors; and g) to assess the reciprocal relationships between emotional distress and psychiatric problems and substance use and abuse.
The Transitions Study (Official name: Drug Use Trajectories -- Racial/Ethnic Comparisons) is a five year study supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. It builds on an earlier, five year study and follows a group of youths first interviewed in middle school, plus an additional group of females from the same cohort not previously interviewed. This project studies youths during the critical passage from adolescence to adulthood, and looks at factors associated with personal and emotional well-being and with substance use and abuse. The results provided by this study can be used to develop more effective substance abuse prevention programs.
The first portion of the study (wave 1) was completed in the year 2000. We are currently working on wave 2 of this study.
This study examines Issues associated with life transitions from childhood to adolescence and adolescence to adulthood. It also studies factors connected with successful adjustment, factors that help prevent substance us and mental health problems, factors associated with drug use problems and mental health problems, as well as the role of stress in emotional well-being and substance use. The results of this study will be used to determine what to include in substance abuse prevention programs.
1000 young men and an equal number of women, 18-20 years old, who attended Dade County Public Schools in the 6th and 7th grades.
2,000 parents or guardian.
HOW WILL THIS STUDY BE CONDUCTED?
Using scientific sampling procedures, 1,000 males and 500 females were selected form participants studied in middle school.
An additional 500 females were randomly selected from the original 6th and 7th grade school rosters.
Letters explaining the study are sent to the selected individuals.
These individuals are then telephoned and invited to participate
Those who agree are scheduled for a completely confidential interview.
Participants are asked for permission to contact one parent or guardian.
At the conclusion of each young adult interview, $25 is paid as a token of appreciation
WHAT KINDS OF QUESTIONS WILL BE ASKED?
Participants are asked to share their experiences and opinions on a number os subjects. For instance,
Young Adults:
Relationships with parents, siblings, boyfriends/girlfriends, and friends.
Substance use.
Important and stressful events in their lives.
Experiences of discrimination.
Sources of strength and support.
Mental health.
Culture and ethnicity.
Parents or Guardians
Family Background and circumstance.
Attitudes about substance use.
Perceptions of the behavior and well-being of their sons or daughters.
HOW WILL THIS INFORMATION BE COLLECTED?
Personal interviews, about 2 hours long, with interviewers using laptop computers.
Done in a private, convenient place.
Two interviews, two years apart.