Identifying a negative mood subtype in incarcerated adolescents: Relationship to substance use

Objective: The following study tested the empirical validity and clinical meaningfulness of a negative mood subtype of incarcerated adolescent males (N=270). Differences in alcohol and marijuana use and consequences were examined. Method: Participants were subtyped according to reports of depressive and anxious symptoms using the Children's Depression Inventory and the Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale. Results: Cluster analysis confirmed the presence of negative mood (34%) and normal mood (66%) subtypes. Incarcerated adolescents in the negative mood subtype reported higher levels of alcohol use, higher levels of use-related consequences for both alcohol and marijuana, greater use of both substances to regulate mood states, and more use of avoidant coping. Conclusion: Results underscore the need for identification and treatment of mental health and substance use difficulties in the juvenile justice system. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.