J Youth Adolesc

Violence and substance use disproportionately affect African American youth in urban, disadvantaged communities. Expanding positive peer and adult connections is a mechanism by which organized activity participation may reduce risk of negative outcomes. We assessed if organized activity participation decreases the likelihood of later negative outcomes through expanding positive social connections using a parallel mediation model (Wave 1: N\u2009=\u2009681; 50% female; M|\u2009=\u200914.86 years; SD\u2009=\u20090.65). We found indirect effects from participation to cigarette use (b\u2009=\u2009-0.04, 95% CI: -0.07, -0.01) and violent behavior (b\u2009=\u2009-0.04; 95% CI: -0.07, -0.01) through positive peer connections. We did not find indirect effects through positive adult connections. This may be because of the notable influence of peers on negative outcomes during adolescence. Organized activities can help youth expand positive peer connections, which, in turn, reduces risk of later negative outcomes. Implications for prevention are discussed.R01 DA035811/DA/NIDA NIH HHS/United StatesU01 CE002698/CE/NCIPC CDC HHS/United States2019-10-01T00:00:00Z29948859PMC61724826705vault:3169