The Relationship between Deviant High School Behavior and the frequencies of Alcohol and Nicotine Use

The study examined the relationship between deviant high school behavior as defined by symptoms of conduct disorder and the frequencies of alcohol and nicotine use among freshmen at VCU. The sample sizes for items corresponding to alcohol and nicotine use were n=1184 and n=689 freshmen, respectively. Correlation analyses revealed significant statistical evidence for a positive relationship between deviant high school behavior and frequency of alcohol use (r= .231, significant at p=0.01 level) and deviant high school behavior and the frequency of nicotine use (r=.219, significant at p=0.01 level). There was also a significant correlation between the frequencies of alcohol and nicotine use (r=.197, significant at p=0.01 level). These findings suggest there is a relationship between deviant behavior in high school and increased alcohol and nicotine use in college. Establishment of a positive correlation allows for further testing on risk factors for substance use and could lead to preventive strategies.https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/uresposters/1014/thumbnail.jp