An Integrated Positive Youth Development Conceptual Framework for the Prevention of the Use of Psychotropic Drugs among Adolescents

Prevention programs on adolescents’ use and abuse of psychotropic drugs based only on a single theory usually fail to tackle properly the multiple, qualitatively different layers of contextual factors. By incorporating neurological, pharmacological, genetic predisposition, psychological, and sociological theories, as well as contextual and life style factors, elements of preventive intervention programs could target at all alleged and real causes for drug abuse. This paper presents how an integrated conceptual framework for primary prevention of adolescents’ use and abuse of psychotropic drugs is constructed. It is primarily built on the model of victimization and substance abuse among women offered by Logan et al. (2006). With support from an examination of bio-psycho-social theories, a revised model of crucial causes of adolescents’ use and abuse of psychotropic drugs at the micro level is formulated. Based on available empirical support, the positive youth development (PYD) perspective is integrated into the revised model to form the integrated conceptual framework. The PYD perspective covers 15 empirically sound constructs identified by Catalano et al. (1998). These constructs were used in a large-scale positive youth development program, the Project P.A.T.H.S. in Hong Kong that shows evidence to help prevent adolescents’ use and abuse of psychotropic drugs. From the developmental and preventive perspective, the 15 positive youth development constructs may act like a master key to fit all locks. Theoretical and practical implications as well as limitations and recommendations are discussed.