Self-Rejection/Derogation, Peer Factors, and Alcohol, Drug, and Cigarette Use among a Sample of Hispanic, African-American, and White Non-Hispanic Adolescents

Data from the first two waves of a longitudinal study are reported on the relationships between self-rejection/derogation and substance use among a multiracial/ethnic sample of adolescents (N = 4,983). Significant increases were found for all three groups between Waves 1 and 2. African-Americans had the lowest rates at both time periods. Peer factors, rejection/derogation, and race/ethnicity were significant predictors of alcohol and cigarette use but not of illicit drug use. Peer factors were more powerful predictors of substance use than rejection/derogation. Interaction analyses indicated peer and rejection/derogation factors were independent predictors of substance use.