The perceived high expectation messaging from adults in relation to alcohol and tobacco use among early adolescents: The mediation effect of self-control
Abstract
Goal. The goal of the study was to examine the mediating effect of self-control in the relation of perceived high expectation messaging from adults to the lifelong prevalence of alcohol and tobacco use among early adolescents.
Sample and methods. The sample consisted of 1298 pupils of primary schools (53,3 % girls, M=11,52, SD=0,61).
The variables were assessed by the means of Self-control scale short version, Resilience and Youth Development Module and two separate items assessing the lifelong prevalence of alcohol and tobacco cigarettes use (dichotomized: 0 = did not use, 1 = used). Hypothesis.
Is self-control a mediator in the relation of perceived high expectation messaging from adults to alcohol and tobacco cigarettes use among adolescents? Statistical analyses. Data were analyzed by the means of linear and logistic regressions and Sobel test.
Results. According to the results, the perceived high expectation messaging from adults at home, at school, and in the community was in positive relation to self-control.
The lower level of self-control was in the relation to lifelong prevalence of smoking tobacco cigarettes. The Sobel test showed a non-direct mediating effect of self-control in the relation of perceived high expectation messaging from adults at school to the lifelong prevalence of smoking tobacco cigarettes (z = -2.85; p<0.001).
Limits. The study is a transversal study.
Next limit represents the use of questionnaire methods.