Substance Abuse,Aggressive Behaviors,and Cultural Identity Among Jamaican Adolescents

ABSTRACT

The present study examined the extent to which cultural identity is related to substance abuse and aggressive behaviors among Jamaican adolescents. The data used in the analysis was derived from a sample of 80 Jamaican adolescents, aged 13-18. The Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure (MEIM) and Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System questionnaires were used to record the responses regarding the sample's substance abuse and aggressive behaviors. Results indicated that the ethnic identity search emerged as a statistically significant predictor of cigarette use. Likewise, the relationship between marijuana and cigarettes; cigarettes and other drugs; and marijuana and other drugs denoted some significance. These findings are discussed in addition to limitations and implications.