Exploring Theoretical Explanations for Substance Use and Offending in Adolescents Across Spanish-Speaking Countries

Abstract

Introduction. The correlation between substance use and offending during adolescence is well-established (Bennet et al., 2008). However, exploring this relationship in Spanish-speaking contexts, particularly Latin America, remains understudied, limiting the development of contextually relevant theories and public policies. Several theoretical frameworks attempt to explain this relationship, including causal and common factor models (Goldstein, 1985; White et al., 2019). Objective. This study empirically analyzes the significance and the specific impact of key correlates from these theories on adolescent substance use and offending from different Spanish-speaking contexts, focusing on Latin American countries. Methods. Using data from the third (ISRD3) and fourth (ISRD4)waves of the International Self-Report Delinquency Study in four Spanish-speaking countries (Spain, Venezuela, Mexico, and Argentina), we analyzed key variables from each theoretical framework for the total sample and each country separately. The sample included 6,169 adolescents (50.2% female, M = 14.23 years, SD = 1.06). Logistic regressions examined the association between key correlates from explanatory models (independent variables) and the co-occurrence of substance use and offending (dependent variable) for the total sample and each country separately. Results. Findings revealed some differences and other similarities across countries. Theories comprising contextual and sociodemographic factors showed heterogeneous effects, whereas explanatory frameworks about personal factors exhibited greater consistency across countries. Discussion. These results suggest a degree of cross-cultural stability in some theories while highlighting the variability of others depending on local contexts. The inconsistency of sociodemographic and contextual variables underscores the need for further analysis to determine their specific relevance for particular contexts. These findings emphasize the importance of developing situational or integrative theories that are locally adapted. These insights can guide the development of more context-sensitive prevention and intervention programs in Latin America.