Thesis (M. Soc. Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 1998. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 103-108).

Thesis (M.S.W.)--University of Hong Kong, 1994. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 102-105).

Thesis (M.A.)--Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Ill., 1998. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 111-118).

Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 1995. / Includes bibliographical references. Also available in print.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2006. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 178-197).

Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 1998. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 103-108) Also available in print.

Thesis (M.A.)--Georgia State University, 2006. / John Peterson, committee chair; Roger Bakeman, James Emshoff, committee members. Electronic text (79 p.) : digital, PDF file. Description based on contents viewed Aug. 9, 2007. Includes bibliographical references (p. 70-79).

Magister Artium (Child and Family Studies) - MA(CFS) / South Africa is overwhelmed by the increase of substance abuse among adolescents. Having consulted the literature, South Africa is not the only country faced with this problem. It raises concerns with regard to the social health of adolescents in this country. In order to develop effective intervention strategies to reduce the wide spread abuse of substances, it is important to first understand how adolescents perceive this problem. In this study the perceptions of boys will be explored with regard, to substance abuse among adolescents. A purposive sampling method was used to select the participants. The eleven participants were interviewed by means of a semi structured interview; an interview guide was applied to collect the relevant information. The goal of the study was to explore the perceptions of boys regarding substance abuse amongst adolescents. After data collection which was indicated by the saturation of the data, the recorded data was transcribed. Transcripts were analysed to determine the emerging themes from the collected data. The main findings of the study were interpreted and discussed according to the themes and sub themes, which were derived from the participants’ narratives. Based on the research findings, recommendations have been suggested for service providers with regard to substance abuse amongst adolescents. / South Africa

Magister Artium (Psychology) - MA(Psych) / The adolescence period is a time of high risk for health and social problems such as substance use globally and in South Africa. Past research has shown that there is a need to investigate factors such as peer pressure, leisure boredom and substance use as they pose a threat to the social, psychological and physical wellbeing of adolescents in general. Thus, the overall aim of the study is to determine whether peer pressure and leisure boredom influence substance use among adolescents in low-income communities in Cape Town. Accordingly, the current study is guided by the theoretical framework of Jessor’s problem-behaviour theory. This exploratory study employed a correlational research design. The measurement tools included the Drug Use Disorders Identification Test, the Resistance to Peer Influence measure and the Leisure Boredom Scale. Non-probability sampling was used to select 296 adolescents between the ages 16 – 18 years from schools located in two low-income communities. Data analysis techniques included descriptive statistics, t-test, linear regression and multiple regression. Linear regression revealed that leisure boredom is not a significant predictor of substance use whereas peer pressure is a significant predictor of substance use. Multiple regression showed that the combined influence of peer pressure and leisure boredom predicted substance use, while peer pressure emerged as a stronger predictor than leisure boredom of substance use among adolescents. Gender did not moderate the relationship between peer pressure, leisure boredom and substance use among adolescents

The aim of the study was to explore the influence of social factors on adolescent drug abuse. The researcher's interest in the study evolved from her involvement with adolescent drug patients at Magaliesoord Centre. Drug abuse is recognised as one of the greatest social problems in South Africa. Youth, particularly adolescents, are found to be amongst the high risk groups. The exploratory design was selected for conducting this research. This design is approprate for this study particularly as it is aimed at exploring to what extent social factors influence adolescent drug abuse. A face-to-face structured interview schedule was used as a data gathering instrument. Adolescent drug abuse is a phenomenon which is determined by multiple factors. These factors are imbedded in the cultural and social structures within communities. Family and peer behaviour and standards are for most youth the greatest sources of influence. The objectives of the study were as follows: <ul> <li> To explore the extent to which poor family relationships influence adolescent drug abuse</li><li> To explore the influence of the home environment on adolescent drug abuse</li><li> To explore if peer pressure influence adolescent drug abuse. </li></ul> From the data acquired, it can be concluded that multiple factors influence adolescent drug behaviour. Of the social environmental factors influencing adolescent drug abuse, the family and peers are perceived as having the strongest influence. Poorfamily relationships, particularly those characterized by poor communication between parents and their adolescent children, do contribute towards adolescent drug behaviour. Adolescents who experience their home environment as unstable often resort to drugs as a response to or an escape from their home situation. Peer pressure resulting from association with drug taking friends often lead adolescents to experiment with drugs, thus leading to eventual abuse. Recommendations<ul><li> Parents should strive to create a positive atmosphere within the home. This can be achieved by encouraging open communication amongst the family members</li><li> Parents should communicate openly with their children regarding both acceptable and unacceptable behaviour. This will enable the children to know where they stand in relation to their parents regarding their behaviour. </li><li> Adolescents should be guided in their selection of friends. Parents should know who their children associate with outside the home. </li><li> Children should be encouraged and supported at an early age to take part in recreational activities. This will enable them to use their leisure time constructively. </li></ul> / Dissertation (MA)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / Social Work and Criminology / unrestricted