In light of legalization, there has been increasing attention on preventing problematic youth substance use. Strength-based approaches emphasize protective factors, such as positive mental health. In this recent study, positive mental health was assessed by the self-determination theory, which suggests that competence, autonomy, and relatedness are basic psychological needs. Researchers found that in Canadian adolescents in grade 6 to grade 12, increased levels of competence and relatedness led to lower likelihood and frequency of substance use, including cannabis and alcohol. Conclusions on the role of autonomy were mixed.
