Potential contributions of the life span developmental approach to the study of adolescent alcohol and drug use: The rutgers health and human development project, a working model

Robert J. Pandina, Erich W. Labouvie, Helene Raskin White

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

126 Scopus citations

Abstract

The Rutgers Health and Human Development Project is organized around a life span developmental perspective. This is oriented toward understanding the antecedents and variables relating to adolescent substance use and abuse. The project is interested in major developments of use patterns, particularly in regard to acquisition, early maintenance, and dependence (if it occurs). These patterns are best understood in a prospective-developmental model and not in a cross-sectional model. To do this the domain of the problem including the adolescent's family, must be studied. The design factors are critical in such a study if causal analyses are to be developed and must be done under naturalistic, real world conditions. The Rutgers study, therefore, assesses the emergence and unfolding of adolescent substance use behaviors in interaction with the individuals physical, psychological and social development during the transition from adolescence to early adulthood. The project assessed three different aged samples (12, 15, 18) prospectively, over a three year span. Problem areas in the methodology of prospective, longitudinal studies are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)253-268
Number of pages16
JournalJournal of Drug Issues
Volume14
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 1984

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Medicine (miscellaneous)
  • Health(social science)
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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