Motives for romantic relationships and the risk of heavy alcohol use, regular smoking and cannabis use during adolescence and early adulthood: A longitudinal study ()
ABSTRACT
Background: Engaging in sexual activities at a younger
age is associated with higher risk of substance misuse among adolescents. It
could be hypothesized that substance misuse and certain romantic relationship
related behaviors may be influenced by similar hormone and other inner
physiological factors that are affected by related motives. This study investigated
the association between motives for romantic relationships and the risk of
heavy alcohol use, regular smoking and cannabis use from adolescence through to
early adulthood. Method: A population-based longitudinal study using data collected
from Wave I and Wave III of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent
Health. Characteristics of romantic relationship ideals (as the proxy of
motives) measured in Wave I (mean age: 16 yrs) were applied to predict
substance use indicated at Wave III (mean age: 22 yrs) using multivariate
analyses. Results: Adolescents who included sexual activities as part of
their romantic relationship ideals were at significantly higher risk of cannabis
use among males and heavy alcohol use among females. Romantic ideals that
included, gift giving (female) or receiving (male), declaration of love
(male), marriage (male) and becoming pregnant (female) were associated with
reduced risk of one or more types of substance use. Conclusion: In adolescence,
sexual motives for romantic relationships were associated with higher risk of
substance use and misuse, while motives related to intimacy and commitment in
romantic relationships were associated with lower risk.
Share and Cite:
Liang, W. and Chikritzhs, T. (2013) Motives for romantic relationships and the risk of heavy alcohol use, regular smoking and cannabis use during adolescence and early adulthood: A longitudinal study.
Open Journal of Internal Medicine,
3, 23-29. doi:
10.4236/ojim.2013.32006.
Cited by
No relevant information.