Common and specific correlates of delinquent behaviors and substance use among adolescents and emerging adults.

A growing trend of risk-tasking behaviors can be observed in the society. Substance use and delinquent behaviors are amongst the most frequent in the young and they present several common predictive factors. Although drug use and delinquency pathways are related, a degree of independence could be considered and it is not certain that they arise from the same process. The aim of the present study was to assess the contribution of individual factors (aggression, impulsivity, empathy, and cognitive distortions) to delinquent behaviors, alcohol use and cannabis consumption among adolescents and emerging adults. 608 young (53.78% of women) attending schools from the French-speaking region of Belgium (Liège) were enrolled. They were between 15 and 25 years of age (M=18.64 years, SD=2.61) and completed self-report validated questionnaires. Multiple regression and moderation analyzes were conducted. Except for impulsivity which is common, other individual factors (cognitive behaviors, aggression and empathy) play different roles in delinquent behaviors and substance use, and these roles could even vary according to age. These results will be discussed in terms of implications for prevention and intervention.