The relationship between parental monitoring and marijuana non-use among African American and Latino adolescents

Previous research has found that parental monitoring is a primary protective factor against adolescent marijuana use. However, most research has approached it from a deficit perspective focusing on this substance as a small component in conjunction with other drugs and deviant behaviors. This study utilizes survey data to examine the relationship between parental monitoring and marijuana non-use among 249 African American and Latino adolescents. Social control theory is applied as a framework to understand the relationship between parental monitoring and an individual’s choice to avoid marijuana. Results indicate that younger adolescents, females, non-African Americans, and increased parental monitoring have statistically significant relationships with marijuana non-use. Findings are important to stakeholders and community leaders in implementing prevention drug programs within inner city neighborhoods.M.A.Includes bibliographical referencesby Madison Nilse