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A national study conducted over 12 years indicates that teen behaviors, including delinquency and substance use, may have a significant impact on marriage. The study, conducted by University of Buffalo sociologist Sampson Lee Blair, Ph.D., examines the long-term effects of teen delinquency and drug abuse on adult role attainment. The study found that delinquent teens were more likely to marry early and substance-abusing teens (especially girls who abuse marijuana) are more likely to marry later or not at all.

Dr. Blair comments, "Most previous studies have focused on the relatively short-term effects of adolescent substance use and delinquency ... but here we find good evidence that, for both sexes, delinquent behavior is linked to an increase in the likelihood of marriage and a lower age at first marriage. On the other hand, adolescents with relatively high levels of abuse of alcohol and marijuana have a lower likelihood of marriage even by their late 20s."

For the purposes of the study, delinquency was defined as antisocial behavior, including running away, arrests, physical fights, and school-related behavior problems.

(Source: www.sciencedaily.com)

Labels: teen risk taking, marriage

Posted By: Aspen Education Group