Due to an increase in diagnosis and prescription of methylphenidate and other
ADD/ADHD medications, concerns have been expressed over the rise in Ritalin
diversion from prescription to nonmedical use. The objective of this study was to
investigate the relationships between the dimensions of self-perception (i.e., Impulse
Control, Body Image, Mastery of the External World, Worry Control) self-enhancement,
environmental and demographic factors, and non-prescribed Ritalin (methylphenidate)
use.
This cross sectional study draws on secondary data from the Adolescent Health
Risk Behaviors Survey (AHRBS). The secondary data from AHRBS were analyzed
using a sample size of n=1992 and a sub-sample size of n=79. Subjects completed
questions pertaining to the dimensions of self-perception, self-enhancement, and
demographic factors. The results of this study reveal that females who have worse Body
Image, and compare their exams to their previous exams are on average more likely to
use non-prescribed Ritalin. As a result, researchers in this area may want to focus on
self-perception and self-enhancement in order to better understand illicit drug use. Future research should explore the difference between experimentation vs. regular users
and how to incorporate this into effective and efficient drug prevention programs.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:tamu.edu/oai:repository.tamu.edu:1969.1/ETD-TAMU-2010-12-8880 |
| Date | 2010 December 1900 |
| Creators | Lamkin, Mindy Lee |
| Contributors | McKyer, E. Lisako J., Smith, Mathew L. |
| Source Sets | Texas A and M University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | thesis, text |
| Format | application/pdf |
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