Student Survey of Risk Factors

Abstract

The Student Survey of Risk Factors, often utilized as the core instrument for the Communities That Care Youth Survey (CTC YS), is a comprehensive psychological measure designed to assess the prevalence of problem behaviors—specifically substance abuse, delinquency, and violence—among adolescent populations. The primary function of the survey is to identify and quantify specific community, school, peer, and family-related risk and protective factors that predict these negative outcomes. Developed by leading researchers in prevention science, the data collected is crucial for community needs assessment and for guiding targeted prevention strategies based on the Social Development Model.

Keywords

Adolescent risk, protective factors, substance abuse prevention, delinquency, youth survey, social development model, Communities That Care, ATOD use, school environment, peer influence.

Authors

Michael W. Arthur, Ph.D., J. David Hawkins, Ph.D., Richard F. Catalano, Ph.D., J.A. Pollard.

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Purpose

The fundamental purpose of the Student Survey of Risk Factors is twofold. First, it serves as a scientifically validated tool for measuring the current prevalence and onset age of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) use, as well as involvement in other problem behaviors like violence and delinquency. This data provides an epidemiological snapshot of youth behavior within a defined community or school district.

Second, and most critically, the survey systematically assesses the strength of various empirically supported risk and protective factors across multiple domains (e.g., community, family, school, peers). By identifying which specific factors are elevated (risks) or deficient (protections), communities can prioritize evidence-based prevention programs that directly address their highest needs, thereby maximizing the impact of prevention investments.

Construct

The survey is constructed based on the Social Development Model, which posits that healthy adolescent development relies on bonding, clear standards, skill building, and recognition for positive behavior. The instrument measures 18 distinct risk and protective factors predictive of substance use and delinquency. These factors are grouped into several key domains, including:

• School and Academics: Measures academic performance, school commitment, school rewards for prosocial involvement, and perceived safety.

• Personal Attitudes and Beliefs: Assesses attitudes toward antisocial behavior, impulsivity, and perceived social competencies.

• Peer Relationships: Examines peer substance use, peer involvement in delinquency, and friends’ attitudes toward problem behaviors.

• Family Relationships: Measures family conflict, parental monitoring, family rules regarding substance use, and parental involvement/closeness.

• Drug and Alcohol Use/Attitudes: Measures lifetime and past-30-day prevalence of various substances (e.g., alcohol, marijuana, cocaine), perceived risk of harm, and attitudes toward drug use.

• Communities and Neighborhoods: Assesses neighborhood crime, availability of substances, community organization activities, and perceived adult sanctions against youth misbehavior.

Validity

Although specific validity coefficients are not provided in the source excerpt, the scale is derived from extensive research conducted by the Social Development Research Group at the University of Washington, which has established strong predictive validity. Studies, such as those cited by Arthur, Hawkins, and Catalano, confirm that the composite risk and protective factor scores derived from this survey are significantly correlated with future measures of substance abuse, violence, and other problem behaviors in longitudinal studies. The instrument is designed to align with empirically validated constructs from developmental criminology and prevention science.

Reliability

The reliability of the Student Survey of Risk Factors is documented across numerous academic publications, confirming acceptable to high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) for the composite risk and protective factor scales. The scale’s development included rigorous item selection and scale construction to ensure that the measures consistently capture the intended environmental and individual constructs. Researchers typically report strong test-retest reliability, supporting its utility for assessing stable community conditions and individual risk profiles over time.

Factor Analysis

The scale structure is supported by factor analytic studies demonstrating that the items cluster predictably into the intended risk and protective factor domains (e.g., low neighborhood attachment, favorable attitudes toward drug use, poor parental monitoring). These factors are constructed to be independent variables in predicting various correlated problem behaviors. The refinement process, documented in papers like Arthur et al. (2001), utilized factor analysis to ensure the instrument accurately reflects the theoretical framework of the Social Development Model.

Instrument

Test Type: Self-report questionnaire / Prevention needs assessment tool

Format: Paper-and-pencil or electronic administration; multiple-choice and Likert-type response options (e.g., “NO! no, yes, YES!”).

Language Available: Primarily English (often translated into other languages depending on implementation context, such as Spanish).

Population Group: General youth population.

Age Group: Typically utilized for adolescents in middle and high school settings (Grades 6, 8, 10, 12 are explicitly mentioned in demographics).

Population Details: Used extensively in U.S. school districts and community coalitions for prevention planning, often surveying large, diverse groups of students.

Test Methodology: Anonymous, group-administered survey designed for automatic computer scoring. Instructions emphasize honesty and confidentiality to minimize response bias.

Keywords

Prevention science, youth risk behavior surveillance, family management, academic achievement, peer deviance, drug use prevalence, community resources, adolescent mental health.

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Authors

Author ORCID Identifier: Not specified in source content.

Affiliation Email addresses: [email protected] (Michael W. Arthur, Social Development Research Group, University of Washington)

Correspondence Address: Social Development Research Group, University of Washington, 9725 3rd Ave. NE, Suite 401, Seattle, WA 98115-2024

Permissions & Fee and Test Year

The initial development and research supporting this survey were financially supported by critical federal agencies, including the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, the U.S. Department of Education, and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. The scale is associated with the Communities That Care initiative. Key research and publication years span from 1997 to 2001. Availability is often managed through licensing or collaboration with organizations associated with the Communities That Care (CTC) model. The original PDF can be downloaded here: http://cart.rmcdenver.com/instruments/communities_that.pdf

Reference’s

• Pollard, J.A., Catalano, R.F., Hawkins, J.D., Arthur, M.W. Development of a School-Based Survey Measuring Risk and Protective Factors Predictive of Substance Abuse, Delinquency, and Other Problem Behaviors in Adolescent Populations. Unpublished Paper, 1998.

• Arthur, M.W., Hawkins, J.D., Pollard, J.A., Catalano, R.F., & Baglioni, A.J. (2001). Measuring risk and protective factors for substance use, delinquency, and other adolescent problem behaviors: The Communities That Care Youth Survey. Manuscript submitted for publication.

• Hawkins, J.D., Arthur, M.W., & Catalano, R.F. (1997). Six State Consortium for Prevention Needs Assessment Studies: Final Report. Seattle: University of Washington, Social Development Research Group.

• Pollard, J.A., Hawkins, J.D., & Arthur, M.W. (1999). Risk and protection: Are both necessary to understand diverse behavioral outcomes in adolescence? Social Work Research, 23 (3), pp. 129-208.

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Items of the STUDENT SURVEY OF RISK FACTORS

IMPORTANT: The following scale items must be preserved in their original language and must not be changed in any way.

1. How old are you? 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 or older

2. What grade are you in? 6th 8th 10th 12th

3. Are you: Female Male

4. What do you consider yourself to be? (Choose one best answer.)

• White, not of Hispanic Origin

• Black or African American

• American Indian/Native American, Eskimo or Aleut

• Spanish/Hispanic/Latino

• Mexican American Chicano

• Mexican Puerto Rican

• Cuban Central or South American

• Other Spanish

• Asian or Pacific Islander

• Chinese Japanese

• Filipino Asian Indian

• Hawaiian Samoan

• Korean Guamanian

• Vietnamese Cambodian

• Other Asian or Pacific Islander

• Other (Please Specify ______________________)

5. What is the zip code where you live? __________

6. Where are you living now?

• On a farm

• In the country, not on a farm

• In a city, town, or suburb

7. Which one of the following schools is closest to where you live? (List all elementary, middle, jr. high, and high schools in the community)

8. Putting them all together, what were your grades like last year? Mostly F’s, Mostly D’s, Mostly C’s, Mostly B’s, Mostly A’s

9. During the LAST FOUR WEEKS how many whole days of school have you missed because you skipped or “cut”? None, 1, 2, 3, 4-5, 6-10, 11 or more

10. In my school, students have lots of chances to help decide things like class activities and rules. NO! no, yes, YES!

11. Teachers ask me to work on special classroom projects. NO! no, yes, YES!

12. My teacher(s) notices when I am doing a good job and lets me know about it. NO! no, yes, YES!

13. There are lots of chances for students in my school to get involved in sports, clubs, and other school activities outside of class. NO! no, yes, YES!

14. There are lots of chances for students in my school to talk with a teacher one-on-one. NO! no, yes, YES!

15. I feel safe at my school. NO! no, yes, YES!

16. The school lets my parents know when I have done something well. NO! no, yes, YES!

17. My teachers praise me when I work hard in school. NO! no, yes, YES!

18. Are your school grades better than the grades of most students in your class? NO! no, yes, YES!

19. There are lots of chances to be part of class discussions or activities. NO! no, yes, YES!

20. How often do you feel that the school work you are assigned is meaningful and important? Never, Seldom, Sometimes, Often, Almost Always

21. How interesting are most of your courses to you? Very interesting and stimulating, Quite interesting, Fairly interesting, Slightly dull, Very dull

22. How important do you think the things you are learning in school are going to be for your later life? Very important, Quiet important, Fairly important, Slightly important, Not at all important

23. Now thinking back over the past year in school, how often did you…

• a. enjoy being in school? Never, Seldom, Sometimes, Often, Almost Always

• b. hate being in school? Never, Seldom, Sometimes, Often, Almost Always

• c. try to do your best work in school? Never, Seldom, Sometimes, Often, Almost Always

24. Think of your four best friends (the friends you feel closest to). In the past year (12 months), how many of your best friends have…

• a. smoked cigarettes? None of my friends, 1 of my friends, 2 of my friends, 3 of my friends 4 of my friends

• b. tried beer, wine or hard liquor (for example, vodka, whiskey or gin) when their parents didn’t know about it? None of my friends, 1 of my friends, 2 of my friends, 3 of my friends 4 of my friends

• c. used marijuana? None of my friends, 1 of my friends, 2 of my friends, 3 of my friends 4 of my friends

• d. used LSD, cocaine, amphetamines, or other illegal drugs? None of my friends, 1 of my friends, 2 of my friends, 3 of my friends 4 of my friends

• e. been suspended from school? None of my friends, 1 of my friends, 2 of my friends, 3 of my friends 4 of my friends

• f. carried a handgun? None of my friends, 1 of my friends, 2 of my friends, 3 of my friends 4 of my friends

• g. sold illegal drugs? None of my friends, 1 of my friends, 2 of my friends, 3 of my friends 4 of my friends

• h. stolen or tried to steal a motor vehicle such as a car or motorcycle? None of my friends, 1 of my friends, 2 of my friends, 3 of my friends 4 of my friends

• i. been arrested? None of my friends, 1 of my friends, 2 of my friends, 3 of my friends 4 of my friends

• j. dropped out of school? None of my friends, 1 of my friends, 2 of my friends, 3 of my friends 4 of my friends

• k. been members of a gang? None of my friends, 1 of my friends, 2 of my friends, 3 of my friends 4 of my friends

How old were you when you first:

• a. smoked marijuana? Never Have, 10 or Younger, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or Older

• b. smoked a cigarette, even just a puff? Never Have 10 or Younger 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 or Older

• c. had more than a sip or two of beer, wine or hard liquor (for example, vodka, whiskey, or gin)? Never Have, 10 or Younger, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or Older

• d. began drinking alcoholic beverages regularly, that is, at least once or twice a month? Never Have, 10 or Younger, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or Older

• e. got suspended from school? Never Have, 10 or Younger, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or Older

• f. got arrested? Never Have, 10 or Younger, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or Older

• g. carried a handgun? Never Have, 10 or Younger, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or Older

• h. attacked someone with the idea of seriously hurting them? Never Have, 10 or Younger, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or Older

• i. belonged to a gang? Never Have, 10 or Younger, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or Older

26. How wrong do you think it is for someone your age to:

• a. take a handgun to school? Very Wrong- Wrong- A Little Bit Wrong- Not Wrong at All

• b. steal anything worth more than $5? Very Wrong- Wrong- A Little Bit Wrong- Not Wrong at All

• c. pick a fight with someone? Very Wrong- Wrong- A Little Bit Wrong- Not Wrong at All

• d. attack someone with the idea of seriously hurting them? Very Wrong- Wrong- A Little Bit Wrong- Not wrong at All

• e. stay away from school all day when their parents think they are at school? Very Wrong- Wrong- A Little Bit Wrong- Not Wrong at All

• f. drink beer, wine or hard liquor (for example, vodka, whiskey or gin) regularly? Very Wrong- Wrong- A Little Bit Wrong- Not Wrong at All

• g. smoke cigarettes? Very Wrong- Wrong- A Little Bit Wrong- Not Wrong at All

• h. smoke marijuana? Very Wrong- Wrong- A Little Bit Wrong- Not Wrong at All

• i. use LSD, cocaine, amphetamines or another illegal drug? Very Wrong- Wrong- A Little Bit Wrong- Not Wrong at All

27. I ignore rules that get in my way. Very False, Somewhat False, Somewhat True, Very True

28. It is all right to beat up people if they start the fight. NO! no, yes, YES!

29. It is important to be honest with your parents, even if they become upset or you get punished. NO! no, yes, YES!

30. I do the opposite of what people tell me, just to get them mad. Very False, Somewhat False, Somewhat True, Very True

31. I think it is okay to take something without asking if you can get away with it. NO! no, yes, YES!

32. How many times have you done the following things?

• a. Done crazy things even if they are a little dangerous. Never- I’ve done it, but not in the past year- Less than once a month- About once a month- 2 or 3 times a month- Once a week or more

• b. Done something dangerous because someone dared you to do it. Never- I’ve done it, but not in the past year- Less than once a month- About once a month- 2 or 3 times a month Once a week or more

• c. Done what feels good no matter what. Never- I’ve done it, but not in the past year- Less than once a month- About once a month- 2 or 3 times a month Once a week or more

33. Have you ever belonged to a gang? Yes, No

34. If you have ever belonged to a gang, did the gang have a name? Yes, No, I have never belonged to a gang

35. How many times in the past year (12 months) have you:

• a. been suspended from school? Never 1 or 2 Times 3 to 5 Times 6 to 9 Times 10 to 19 Times 20 to 29 Times 30 to 39 Times 40+ Times

• b. carried a handgun? Never 1 or 2 Times 3 to 5 Times 6 to 9 Times 10 to 19 Times 20 to 29 Times 30 to 39 Times 40+ Times

• c. sold illegal drugs? Never 1 or 2 Times 3 to 5 Times 6 to 9 Times 10 to 19 Times 20 to 29 Times 30 to 39 Times 40+ Times

• d. stolen or tried to steal a motor vehicle such as a car or motorcycle? Never 1 or 2 Times 3 to 5 Times 6 to 9 Times 10 to 19 Times 20 to 29 Times 30 to 39 Times 40+ Times

• e. been arrested? Never 1 or 2 Times 3 to 5 Times 6 to 9 Times 10 to 19 Times 20 to 29 Times 30 to 39 Times 40+ Times

• f. attacked someone with the idea of seriously hurting them? Never 1 or 2 Times 3 to 5 Times 6 to 9 Times 10 to 19 Times 20 to 29 Times 30 to 39 Times 40+ Times

• g. been drunk or high at school? Never 1 or 2 Times 3 to 5 Times 6 to 9 Times 10 to 19 Times 20 to 29 Times 30 to 39 Times 40+ Times

• h. taken a handgun to school? Never 1 or 2 Times 3 to 5 Times 6 to 9 Times 10 to 19 Times 20 to 29 Times 30 to 39 Times 40+ Times

36. What are the chances you would be seen as cool if you:

• a. smoked cigarettes? No or Very Little Chance, Little Chance, Some Chance, Pretty Good Chance, Very Good Chance

• b. began drinking alcoholic beverages regularly, that is, at least once or twice a month? No or Very Little Chance, Little Chance, Some Chance, Pretty Good Chance, Very Good Chance

• c. smoked marijuana? No or Very Little Chance, Little Chance, Some Chance, Pretty Good Chance, Very Good Chance

• d. carried a handgun? No or Very Little Chance, Little Chance, Some Chance, Pretty Good Chance, Very Good Chance

37. You’re looking at CD’s in a music store with a friend. You look up and see her slip a CD under her coat. She smiles and says “Which one do you want? Go ahead; take it while nobody’s around.” There is nobody in sight, no employees and no other customers. What would you do now? Ignore her Grab a CD and leave the store Tell her to put the CD back Act like it’s a joke, and ask her to put the CD back

38. It’s 8:00 on a weeknight and you are about to go over to a friend’s home when your mother asks you where you are going. You say “Oh, just going to go hang out with some friends.” She says, “No, you’ll just get into trouble if you go out. Stay home tonight.” What would you do now? Leave the house anyway Explain what you are going to do with your friends, tell her when you’d get home, and ask if you can go out Not say anything and start watching TV Get into an argument with her

39. You are visiting another part of town, and you don’t know any of the people your age there. You are walking down the street, and some teenager you don’t know is walking toward you. He is about your size, and as he is about to pass you, he deliberately bumps into you and you almost lose your balance. What would you say or do? Push the person back Say “Excuse me” and keep on walking Say “Watch where you’re going” and keep on walking Swear at the person and walk away

40. You are at a party at someone’s house, and one of your friends offers you a drink containing alcohol. What would you say or do? Drink it Tell your friend “No thanks, I don’t drink” and suggest that you and your friend go and do something else Just say “No, thanks” and walk away Make up a good excuse, tell your friend you had something else to do, and leave

41. I think sometimes it’s okay to cheat at school. NO! no, yes, YES!

42. How often do you attend religious services or activities? Never, Rarely, 1-2 Times a Month, About Once a Week or More

43. I like to see how much I can get away with. Very False, Somewhat False, Somewhat True, Very True

44. Sometimes I think that life is not worth it. NO! no, yes, YES!

45. At times I think I am no good at all. NO! no, yes, YES!

46. All in all, I am inclined to think that I am a failure. NO! no, yes, YES!

47. In the past year, have you felt depressed or sad MOST days, even if you felt OK sometimes? NO! no, yes, YES!

48. How much do you think people risk harming themselves (physically or in other ways) if they:

• a. smoke one or more packs of cigarettes per day? No Risk, Slight Risk, Moderate Risk, Great Risk

• b. try marijuana once or twice? No Risk, Slight Risk, Moderate Risk, Great Risk

• c. smoke marijuana regularly? No Risk, Slight Risk, Moderate Risk, Great Risk

• d. take one or two drinks of an alcoholic beverage (beer, wine, liquor) nearly every day? No Risk, Slight Risk, Moderate Risk, Great Risk

49. Have you ever used smokeless tobacco (chew, snuff, plug, dipping tobacco, chewing tobacco)? Never, Once or twice, Once in a while but not regularly, Regularly in the past, Regularly now

50. How frequently have you used smokeless tobacco during the past 30 days? Never, Once or twice, Once or twice per week, About once a day, More than once a day

51. Have you ever smoked cigarettes? Never, Once or twice, Once in a while but not regularly, Regularly in the past, Regularly now

52. How frequently have you smoked cigarettes during the past 30 days? Not at all, Less than one cigarette per day, One to five cigarettes per day, About one-half pack per day, About one pack per day, About one and one-half packs per day, Two packs or more per day

53. On how many occasions (if any) have you had alcoholic beverages (beer, wine or hard liquor) to drink in your lifetime –- more than just a few sips? 0 Occasions, 1-2 Occasions, 3-5 Occasions, 6-9 Occasions, 10-19 Occasions, 20-39 Occasions, 40 or More Occasions

54. On how many occasions (if any) have you had beer, wine or hard liquor during the past 30 days? 0Occasions, 1-2 Occasions, 3-5 Occasions, 6-9 Occasions,10-19 Occasions, 20-39 Occasions, 40 or More Occasions

55. Think back over the last two weeks. How many times have you had five or more alcoholic drinks in a row? None, Once, Twice, 3-5 times, 6-9 times, 10 or more times

56. On how many occasions (if any) have you used marijuana in your lifetime? 0 Occasions, 1-2 Occasions, 3-5 Occasions, 6-9 Occasions,10-19 Occasions, 20-39 Occasions, 40 or More Occasions

57. On how many occasions (if any) have you used marijuana during the past 30 days? 0 Occasions, 1-2 Occasions, 3-5 Occasions, 6-9 Occasions,10-19 Occasions, 20-39 Occasions, 40 or More Occasions

58. On how many occasions (if any) have you used LSD or other psychedelics in your lifetime? 0 Occasions, 1-2 Occasions, 3-5 Occasions, 6-9 Occasions,10-19 Occasions, 20-39 Occasions, 40 or More Occasions

59. On how many occasions (if any) have you used LSD or other psychedelics during the past 30 days? 0Occasions, 1-2 Occasions, 3-5 Occasions, 6-9 Occasions, 10-19 Occasions, 20-39 Occasions, 40 or More Occasions

60. On how many occasions (if any) have you used cocaine or crack in your lifetime? 0 Occasions, 1-2 Occasions, 3-5 Occasions, 6-9 Occasions,10-19 Occasions, 20-39 Occasions, 40 or More Occasions

61. On how many occasions (if any) have you used cocaine or crack during the past 30 days? 0Occasions, 1-2 Occasions, 3-5 Occasions, 6-9 Occasions,10-19 Occasions, 20-39 Occasions, 40 or More Occasions

62. On how many occasions (if any) have you sniffed glue, breathed the contents of an aerosol spray can, or inhaled other gases or sprays, in order to get high in your lifetime? 0 Occasions, 1-2 Occasions, 3-5 Occasions, 6-9 Occasions,10-19 Occasions, 20-39 Occasions, 40 or More Occasions

63. On how many occasions (if any) have you sniffed glue, breathed the contents of an aerosol spray can, or inhaled other gases or sprays, in order to get high during the past 30 days? 0 Occasions, 1-2 Occasions, 3-5 Occasions, 6-9 Occasions,10-19 Occasions, 20-39 Occasions, 40 or More Occasions

64. On how many occasions (if any) have you used stimulants (“amphetamines”, “meth”, “crystal”, “crank”) in your lifetime? 0 Occasions, 1-2 Occasions, 3-5 Occasions, 6-9 Occasions,10-19 Occasions, 20-39 Occasions, 40 or More Occasions

65. On how many occasions (if any) have you used stimulants (“amphetamines”, “meth”, “crystal”, “crank”) during the past 30 days? 0 Occasions, 1-2 Occasions, 3-5 Occasions, 6-9 Occasions,10-19 Occasions, 20-39 Occasions, 40 or More Occasions

66. On how many occasions (if any) have you used derbisol in your lifetime? 0 Occasions, 1-2 Occasions, 3-5 Occasions, 6-9 Occasions,10-19 Occasions, 20-39 Occasions, 40 or More Occasions

67. On how many occasions (if any) have you used derbisol in the past 30 days? 0 Occasions, 1-2 Occasions, 3-5 Occasions, 6-9 Occasions,10-19 Occasions, 20-39 Occasions, 40 or More Occasions

68. On how many occasions (if any) have you used other illegal drugs in your lifetime? 0 Occasions, 1-2 Occasions, 3-5 Occasions, 6-9 Occasions,10-19 Occasions, 20-39 Occasions, 40 or More Occasions

69. On how many occasions (if any) have you used other illegal drugs in the past 30 days? 0 Occasions, 1-2 Occasions, 3-5 Occasions, 6-9 Occasions,10-19 Occasions, 20-39 Occasions, 40 or More Occasions

70. If you wanted to get some beer, wine or hard liquor (for example, vodka, whiskey, or gin), how easy would it be for you to get some? Very Hard, Sort of Hard, Sort of Easy, Very Easy

71. If you wanted to get some cigarettes, how easy would it be for you to get some? Very Hard, Sort of Hard, Sort of Easy, Very Easy

72. If a kid smoked marijuana in your neighborhood would he or she be caught by the police? NO! no, yes, YES!

73. If you wanted to get a drug like cocaine, LSD, or amphetamines, how easy would it be for you to get some? Very Hard, Sort of Hard, Sort of Easy, Very Easy

74. If a kid drank some beer, wine or hard liquor (for example, vodka, whiskey, or gin) in your neighborhood would he or she be caught by the police? NO! no, yes, YES!

75. If a kid carried a handgun in your neighborhood would he or she be caught by the police? NO! no, yes, YES!

76. If you wanted to get some marijuana, how easy would it be for you to get some? Very Hard, Sort of Hard, Sort of Easy, Very Easy

77. How wrong would most adults (over 21) in your neighborhood think it is for kids your age:

• a. to use marijuana? Very Wrong- Wrong- A Little Bit Wrong- Not Wrong at All

• b. to drink alcohol? Very Wrong- Wrong- A Little Bit Wrong- Not Wrong at All

• c. to smoke cigarettes? Very Wrong- Wrong- A Little Bit Wrong- Not Wrong at All

78. About how many adults (over 21) have you known personally who in the past year have:

• a. used marijuana, crack, cocaine, or other drugs? None, 1 adult, 2 adults, 3 or 4 adults, 5 or more adults

• b. sold or dealt drugs? None, 1 adult, 2 adults, 3 or 4 adults, 5 or more adults

• c. done other things that could get them in trouble with the police like stealing, selling stolen goods, mugging or assaulting others, etc? None, 1 adult, 2 adults, 3 or 4 adults, 5 or more adults

• d. gotten drunk or high? None, 1 adult, 2 adults, 3 or 4 adults, 5 or more adults

79. Sometimes we don’t know what we will do as adults, but we may have an idea. Please answer how true these statements may be for you: When I am an adult…

• a. I will smoke cigarettes NO! no, yes, YES!

• b. I will drink beer, wine, or liquor NO! no, yes, YES!

• c. I will smoke marijuana NO! no, yes, YES!

80. If I had to move, I would miss the neighborhood I now live in. NO! no, yes, YES!

81. My neighbors notice when I am doing a good job and let me know about it. NO! no, yes, YES!

82. I like my neighborhood. NO! no, yes, YES!

83. There are lots of adults in my neighborhood I could talk to about something important. NO! no, yes, YES!

84. How much do each of the following statements describe your neighborhood?

• a. crime and/or drug selling NO! no, yes, YES!

• b. fights NO! no, yes, YES!

• c. lots of empty or abandoned buildings NO! no, yes, YES!

• d. lots of graffiti NO! no, yes, YES!

85. How many times have you changed homes since kindergarten? Never, 1 or 2 times, 3 or 4 times, 5 or 6 times 7 or more times

86. There are people in my neighborhood who are proud of me when I do something well. NO! no, yes, YES!

87. Which of the following activities for people your age are available in your community?

• a. sports teams Yes No

• b. scouting Yes No

• c. boys and girls clubs Yes No

• d. 4-H clubs Yes No

• e. service clubs Yes No

88. Have you changed schools (including changing from elementary to middle and middle to high school) in the past year? No Yes

89. I feel safe in my neighborhood. NO! no, yes, YES!

90. How many times have you changed schools (including changing from elementary to middle and middle to high school) since kindergarten? Never, 1 or 2 times, 3 or 4 times, 5 or 6 times, 7 or more times

91. I’d like to get out of my neighborhood. NO! no, yes, YES!

92. Have you changed homes in the past year? No Yes

93. There are people in my neighborhood who encourage me to do my best. NO! no, yes, YES!

94. How wrong do your parents feel it would be for you to:

• a. drink beer, wine or hard liquor (for example, vodka, whiskey or gin) regularly? Very Wrong- Wrong- A Little Bit Wrong- Not Wrong at All

• b. smoke cigarettes? Very Wrong- Wrong- A Little Bit Wrong- Not Wrong at All

• c. smoke marijuana? Very Wrong- Wrong- A Little Bit Wrong- Not Wrong at All

• d. steal something worth more than $5? Very Wrong- Wrong- A Little Bit Wrong- Not Wrong at All

• e. draw graffiti, or write things or draw pictures on buildings or other property (without the owner’s permission)? Very Wrong- Wrong- A Little Bit Wrong- Not Wrong at All

• f. pick a fight with someone? Very Wrong- Wrong- A Little Bit Wrong- Not Wrong at All

95. Have any of your brothers or sisters ever:

• a. drunk beer, wine or hard liquor (for example, vodka, whiskey or gin)? No, Yes, I Don’t Have Any Brothers or Sisters

• b. smoked marijuana? No, Yes, I Don’t Have Any Brothers or Sisters

• c. smoked cigarettes? No, Yes, I Don’t Have Any Brothers or Sisters

• d. taken a handgun to school? No, Yes, I Don’t Have Any Brothers or Sisters

• e. been suspended or expelled from school? No, Yes, I Don’t Have Any Brothers or Sisters

96. The rules in my family are clear. NO! no, yes, YES!

97. Has anyone in your family ever had a severe alcohol or drug problem? No Yes

98. People in my family often insult or yell at each other. NO! no, yes, YES!

99. When I am not at home, one of my parents knows where I am and who I am with. NO! no, yes, YES!

100. We argue about the same things in my family over and over. NO! no, yes, YES!

101. If you drank some beer or wine or liquor (for example, vodka, whiskey, or gin) without your parents’ permission, would you be caught by your parents? NO! no, yes, YES!

102. My family has clear rules about alcohol and drug use. NO! no, yes, YES!

103. If you carried a handgun without your parents’ permission, would you be caught by your parents? NO! no, yes, YES!

104. If you skipped school would you be caught by your parents? NO! no, yes, YES!

105. My parents notice when I am doing a good job and let me know about it. Never or Almost Never, Sometimes, Often All the Time

106. Do you feel very close to your mother? NO! no, yes, YES!

107. Do you share your thoughts and feelings with your mother? NO! no, yes, YES!

108. My parents ask me what I think before most family decisions affecting me are made. NO! no, yes, YES!

109. How often do your parents tell you they’re proud of you for something you’ve done? Never or Almost Never, Sometimes, Often All the Time

110. Do you share your thoughts and feelings with your father? NO! no, yes, YES!

111. Do you enjoy spending time with your mother? NO! no, yes, YES!

112. Do you enjoy spending time with your father? NO! no, yes, YES!

113. If I had a personal problem, I could ask my mom or dad for help. NO! no, yes, YES!

114. Do you feel very close to your father? NO! no, yes, YES!

115. My parents give me lots of chances to do fun things with them. NO! no, yes, YES!

116. My parents ask if I’ve gotten my homework done. NO! no, yes, YES!

117. People in my family have serious arguments. NO! no, yes, YES!

118. Would your parents know if you did not come home on time? NO! no, yes, YES!

119. Think of where you live most of the time. Which of the following people live there with you? (Choose all that apply.) Mother, Grandfather, Stepmother, Uncle, Foster mother, Other adults, Grandmother Brother(s), Aunt Stepbrother(s), Father Sister(s), Stepfather Stepsister(s), Foster father, Other children

120. How many brothers and sisters, including stepbrothers and stepsisters, do you have that are older than you? 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more

121. How many brothers or sisters, including stepbrothers and stepsisters, do you have that are younger than you? 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more

122. What is the language you use most often at home? English, Spanish, Another Language

123. What is the highest level of schooling your father completed? Completed grade school or less Some high school Completed high school Some college Completed college Graduate or professional school after college Don’t know Does not apply

124. What is the highest level of schooling your mother completed? Completed grade school or less Some high school Completed high school Some college Completed college Graduate or professional school after college Don’t know Does not apply

125. How important were these questions? Not too important, Fairly important, Important, Very Important

126. How honest were you in filling out this survey? I was very honest, I was honest pretty much of the time, I was honest some of the time, I was honest once in a while, I was not honest at all