A recent study at the University of Missouri found that rural teens who participated in pro-social behavior, like volunteering or helping others, are less likely to abuse drugs as young adults, reports Samantha Craven of the MU News Bureau. Gustavo Carlo, Millsap Professor of Diversity in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies, examined data from surveys given to rural youth and concluded that things like volunteering "serve as protective factors against adolescents engaging in risky behaviors."
Rural youth were chosen as the focus of the study because "previous research indicates they may be more apt to use illicit substances earlier, putting them at risk for developing addiction problems as adults." It's also more difficult for rural youth to get transportation to volunteer activities because rural communities are more spread out and there also tends to be less "access to recreation centers, spaces for meetings, volunteers to run programs and funding for organized activities" in rural areas. Carlo told Craven: “Many rural communities have suffered from the economic downturn and are unable to offer opportunities for youth activities. Financial stress can also affect the psychological health of parents making them less cognizant of how children spend their time."
Carlo said the research in his study, however, has important implications for substance-abuse prevention and intervention programs for teens. "Pro-social behaviors are good for society and communities, but also they are a marker of moral development," he said. "Parents want their kids to be kind, selfless, considerate and respectful. We now have evidence that these pro-social behaviors make adolescents less likely to break moral codes and engage in illegal activities like getting drink and smoking marijuana."
Rural youth were chosen as the focus of the study because "previous research indicates they may be more apt to use illicit substances earlier, putting them at risk for developing addiction problems as adults." It's also more difficult for rural youth to get transportation to volunteer activities because rural communities are more spread out and there also tends to be less "access to recreation centers, spaces for meetings, volunteers to run programs and funding for organized activities" in rural areas. Carlo told Craven: “Many rural communities have suffered from the economic downturn and are unable to offer opportunities for youth activities. Financial stress can also affect the psychological health of parents making them less cognizant of how children spend their time."
Carlo said the research in his study, however, has important implications for substance-abuse prevention and intervention programs for teens. "Pro-social behaviors are good for society and communities, but also they are a marker of moral development," he said. "Parents want their kids to be kind, selfless, considerate and respectful. We now have evidence that these pro-social behaviors make adolescents less likely to break moral codes and engage in illegal activities like getting drink and smoking marijuana."
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