Examining Theoretical Predictors of Substance Use Among a Sample of Incarcerated Youth

The sources of behavioral reinforcement : an examination of nonsocial reinforcement theory.

“…The predictive ability of nonsocial reinforcement remained strong regardless of the type of substance being examining, supporting the idea that the theory is applicable to general behavior (Cooper et al, 2009). Higgins et al (2009) found support for nonsocial reinforcement theory for the recreational use of tranquilizers and amphetamines, yet failed to find support in the examination of sedative use.…”

“…However, support was not found for nonsocial reinforcement theory in the use of sedatives. It was speculated that sedatives would not satisfy the sensation seeking drive of nonsocial reinforcement, however the act of simply violating socially acceptable behavior by drug use appears to be sufficient to stimulate sensation seekers in other studies of drug using and nonsocial reinforcement theory (Cooper et al, 2009;Romer & Hennessy, 2007). This study used a two-item assessment of risk-taking as a measure of nonsocial reinforcement, which could explain the lack of ability for nonsocial reinforcement to predict sedative use.…”

“…While Nonsocial Reinforcement Theory has yet to be fully tested, the literature on the theory has been growing, and supporting the idea that nonsocial reinforcement has a great influence on behavior (Brezina & Topalli, 2012;Cooper, May, Soderstrom, & Jarjoura, 2009;Higgins, Jennings, Marcum, Ricketts, & Mahoney, 2011;Higgins, Mahoney, & Ricketts, 2009;Jarjoura & May, 2000;May, 2003;Schaefer, 2016;Stevens, May, Rice, & Jarjoura, 2011;Wood et al, 1997). Additionally, there have been numerous studies examining the connection between deviant behavior and risk-taking or sensation seeking (Brezina & Aragones, 2004;Romer & Hennessy, 2007;Ruedy, Moore, Gino, & Schweitzer, 2013;Wood, Cochran, Pfefferbaum, & Arneklev, 1995;Wood, Pfefferbaum, & Arneklev, 1993), supporting the influence of physiological rewards on behavior proposed by nonsocial reinforcement theory.…”

Soldiering with Substance: Substance and Steroid Use among Military Personnel

“…Social learning theory also suggests that people learn the methods of substance use; that is, where to obtain substance, how to use substance, when to use the substance, in what quantities for what effects, and how to avoid detection (Akers & Lee, 1996;Cooper, May, Soderstrom, & Jarjoura, 2009;Peralta & Steele, 2010). What is equally important to the "how-to" of substance use is learning the norms and values surrounding the use of the substance.…”

“…What is equally important to the "how-to" of substance use is learning the norms and values surrounding the use of the substance. For example, when it is acceptable to use or that the use is acceptable/valued at all, behaviors that are valued by other users, and so on (Akers & Lee, 1996;Cooper et al, 2009;Peralta & Steele, 2010).…”