Role of general and specific competence skills in protecting inner-city adolescents from alcohol use

Objective: The purpose of this longitudinal investigation was to rest whether higher levels of general competence are linked ro greater refusal assertiveness that is, in turn, related to less subsequent alcohol use among inner-city adolescents. Method: A large sample of students attending 22 middle and junior high schools in New York City participated. Students completed surveys at baseline, at 1-year follow-up and at 2-year follow-up (N = 1,459; 54% female). The students self-reported alcohol use, decision-making skills, self-efficacy and refusal assertiveness. Teams of three to live data collectors administered the questionnaire following a standardized protocol. The data were collected in school during a regular 40-minute class period. Results: According to the tested structural equation model, Decision Making (beta = .07, p < .05) and Self-Efficacy (beta = .24, p < .001) predicted higher Refusal Assertiveness and this greater assertiveness predicted less drinking at the 2-year follow-up (beta = - .21, p < .001). Earlier drinking predicted 2-year follow-up drinking (beta = .40, p < .001). Goodness-of-fit indices were excellent (chi(2) = 1107.9, 238 df, N = 1,438, p < .001; NFI = .93, NNFI = .94, CFI = .95). Conclusions: The tested model had a good fit and was parsimonious and consistent with theory. This research highlights the importance of addressing decision-making skills, self-efficacy and refusal assertiveness within adolescent alcohol prevention programs.