Abstract
The purpose of this chapter is to present a parsimonious explanatory framework for the complex body of knowledge on risk and protective factors for adolescent drug abuse. This explanatory framework is described as Structural Ecosystems Theory (SET; J. Szapocznik and R. A.Williams, 1999). First, the authors describe general trends and qualitative reorganizations in the risk and protective factors literature. The risk and protective factors of adolescent drug abuse are emphasized. Second, SET as a framework for organizing the literature on risk and protective factors for adolescent drug abuse is offered. Third utility of the framework in organizing the existing body of empirical findings is illustrated with examples from various research programs examining risk and protective factors in the development of adolescent substance use and other behavior problems. Lastly, the authors discuss the implications of the SET framework for formulating theory-driven preventive interventions that encompass the complexity of findings of risk and protective processes across social domains and life span development and the usefulness of the SET framework in avoiding iatrogenic effects. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2009 APA, all rights reserved)