4th Edition of Psychiatry and Addiction World Conference 2026

Abstract

Introduction - At present, it is common to consider that the upper age limit of the adolescence phase tends to rise. In fact, a stage of late adolescence or an emerging adult phase, characteristic of industrialized societies in which education has been extended has been advocated. Considering the need to better know the behaviors and specificities of this stage, the present study aims to obtain data on the prevalence of substance use in this period and explore its relationship with subjective well-being and academic performance, as well as the role of certain sociodemographic characteristics. Methodology - In a sample of 215 students, male and female, from the University of Coimbra (82, 8% female), with a mean age of approximately 22 years, data was collected using the following instruments: a sociodemographic and academic background questionnaire, a questionnaire of substance use, the Portuguese version of the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), and the Portuguese version of the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). Results - The results point to a high prevalence of substance use, with a significant increase in substance use between 18 and 19 and 20 years of age and also between the 2nd and 3rd academic years. Results also show that this consumption is negatively correlated with academic performance. No significant correlations were found between substance use and subjective well-being. Conclusions - Considering the obtained data, the planning of prevention actions should have youth transitioning to college in focus. Results implications are discussed.