Variation in Problem Behaviors Due to History of MDMA or 'Ecstasy' Use among African American Female Juvenile Detainees
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47779/ajhs.2026.762Keywords:
Violent Behavior, Problem Behavior, Ecstasy, Female Juvenile Detainees, African Americans, MDMAAbstract
The objective of this investigation was to examine the extent to which ecstasy use is associated with the occurrence of problem violent behaviors in a sample of African American female adolescent detainees and to determine if differences, if any, could be observed between users and non-users. Participants were 749 self-described African American females drawn from a sample of 2260 juveniles. The level of severity and variation between self-reported use of ecstasy before present incarceration and problem violent behaviors were examined using an independent sample t-test to compare the mean scores against those of non-ecstasy users. The mean age of study participants was 14.8 years (SD = 1.23). Results of the Independent t-test revealed respondents who reported using Ecstasy were significantly more likely to indicate having carried a razor, switchblade, or gun to use it (t=2.60, p=0.009) and using a weapon such as a club, knife, or gun to get something from someone's business (t=3.49, p=0.001). These findings may be used to inform the development of health preventive interventions for at-risk female adolescent juvenile offenders to reduce risk practices associated with MDMA use while incarcerated.
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