Race Differences in Antisocial Behaviors and Attitudes and Early Initiation of Substance Use

Racial groups differed in self-reported delinquency, school trouble, and teacher-rated behaviors among fifth graders.

• Black, white, and Asian American fifth graders reported different levels of delinquency and school trouble.
• Teacher ratings showed variations in aggressiveness and inattention across racial groups.
• Antisocial behaviors and attitudes were stronger predictors of substance use initiation for Asian American children compared to black and white children.
• For white children, both self-reported and teacher-rated behaviors were linked to substance initiation.
• Among black children, only self-reported antisocial behavior predicted substance initiation.
• Asian American children's substance initiation was predicted solely by self-reported delinquent behaviors and attitudes.

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