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Abstract
This study was a quantitative test of Pampering Theory. I predicted that those who have experienced role performance anxiety throughout their lifetime will be more likely than those who have not to use alcohol and drugs to overcome situations which cause role performance anxiety along with experimentation with cocaine hydrochloride. Using the National Epidemiological Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions (N= 43, 093), I performed logistic regressions examining the significance of role performance anxiety in predicting subsequent alcohol and drug use and experimentation. The prediction of higher levels of cocaine hydrochloride experimentation by those suffering from role performance anxiety throughout their lifetime was only weakly shown. Results indicated a contemporaneous significant relationship between role performance anxiety and experimentation with hallucinogens and amphetamines. The discussion provides a theoretical grounding for the findings of my study and suggestions for future examination of lesser mental health problems and comorbid alcohol and drug use.