Gender differences in substance abuse among young adults: An exploration of the conduct problems gender paradox
Presentation Type
Abstract
Faculty Advisor
Pevitr Bansal
Access Type
Event
Start Date
25-4-2025 9:00 AM
End Date
25-4-2025 9:59 AM
Description
Introduction: The gender paradox of conduct problems (CP) suggests that females exhibit more severe CP than males, who are more frequently diagnosed with these disorders. However, research remains inconclusive, regarding outcomes like substance use and delinquency. This study examines the gender paradox in young adults, a developmental stage where CP behaviors may be more established. Given limited prior research, it is hypothesized that females with higher CP levels will report greater externalizing problems than males, supporting the gender paradox. Methods: Participants included 125 undergraduate students (M age = 19, SD = 1.3, 62.4% female). All measures were self-reported. CP severity was assessed by summing severity ratings of oppositional defiant and conduct disorder measures. Gender was examined as a moderator, with ADHD as a covariate. Outcomes included general substance abuse, specific substance use (e.g., marijuana, alcohol), and delinquent peer affiliation. A one-way ANOVA compared mean outcome scores across CP levels by gender. Multiple linear regressions examined interactive effects of CP and gender on outcomes. Results: ANOVA showed no significant group differences. However, multiple regressions revealed a significant interaction between gender and CP predicting substance abuse (p < .05). Simple slopes analyses indicated higher CP levels were linked to increased substance abuse for females (b = 0.45, p < .01) but not males (b = 0.05, p = 0.73). Other outcomes showed no significant effects. Conclusion: Findings support the gender paradox, highlighting increased substance use in females with higher CP. This underscores the need for targeted assessments and interventions for young adults, particularly in university settings.
Gender differences in substance abuse among young adults: An exploration of the conduct problems gender paradox
Introduction: The gender paradox of conduct problems (CP) suggests that females exhibit more severe CP than males, who are more frequently diagnosed with these disorders. However, research remains inconclusive, regarding outcomes like substance use and delinquency. This study examines the gender paradox in young adults, a developmental stage where CP behaviors may be more established. Given limited prior research, it is hypothesized that females with higher CP levels will report greater externalizing problems than males, supporting the gender paradox. Methods: Participants included 125 undergraduate students (M age = 19, SD = 1.3, 62.4% female). All measures were self-reported. CP severity was assessed by summing severity ratings of oppositional defiant and conduct disorder measures. Gender was examined as a moderator, with ADHD as a covariate. Outcomes included general substance abuse, specific substance use (e.g., marijuana, alcohol), and delinquent peer affiliation. A one-way ANOVA compared mean outcome scores across CP levels by gender. Multiple linear regressions examined interactive effects of CP and gender on outcomes. Results: ANOVA showed no significant group differences. However, multiple regressions revealed a significant interaction between gender and CP predicting substance abuse (p < .05). Simple slopes analyses indicated higher CP levels were linked to increased substance abuse for females (b = 0.45, p < .01) but not males (b = 0.05, p = 0.73). Other outcomes showed no significant effects. Conclusion: Findings support the gender paradox, highlighting increased substance use in females with higher CP. This underscores the need for targeted assessments and interventions for young adults, particularly in university settings.
Comments
Poster presentation at the 2025 Student Research Symposium.