Peer vs. parental influence in substance use among hispanic and Anglo children and adolescents

Abstract

The relative influence of peer and parental influence on youths' use of alcohol and other drugs is explored among 446 Anglo and Hispanic youths, ages 9-17. Current users and abstainers are similar in age and gender. Among both groups, parental influence is more profound than that of peers. However, substance users, compared to abstainers, are more influenced by peers. Level of marijuana use by youths' friends is the most reliable predictor of drug use. Youths having viable relationships with parents are less involved with drugs and less influenced by drug-oriented peers.

Alcohol use from ages 9 to 16: A cohort-sequential latent growth model

“…Several researchers have argued that during pre-adolescence and adolescence children spend increasing amounts of time with friends compared to family, thus the peer context has considerable potential for influencing the development of alcohol use during adolescence (Coombs et al, 1991;Kandel, 1985;Quine and Stephenson, 1990). The findings of this study support this view.…”

“…As children age, they spend more time with friends compared to family, increasing the potential for negative peer influences (Coombs et al, 1991;Quine and Stephenson, 1990). There is evidence that peer influence on youth becomes greater with age and is particularly influential in the early stages of substance use (Coombs et al, 1991;Kandel, 1985;Quine and Stephenson, 1990).…”

“…There is evidence that peer influence on youth becomes greater with age and is particularly influential in the early stages of substance use (Coombs et al, 1991;Kandel, 1985;Quine and Stephenson, 1990).…”

A Study on the Moderating Effect of Family Functioning on the Relationship between Deviant Peer Affiliation and Delinquency among Chinese Adolescents

“…Compared to the large number of studies exploring the moderating effect of family variables on the relationship between deviant peer association and delinquency (e.g., Coombs, Paulson, & Richardson, 1991;Farrell, Henry, Mays, & Schoeny, 2011;Galambos, Barker, & Almeida, 2003;Keenan et al, 1995;Lansford et al, 2003;Mason, Cauce, Gonzales, & Hiraga, 1994;Mrug & Windle, 2009;Poole & Regoli, 1979;Trucco, Colder, & Wieczorek, 2011;Vitario, Brendgen, & Tremblay, 2000;Warr, 1993;Zimmerman, Steinman, & Rowe, 1998), few have studied the moderating role of family functioning. Family functioning can be defined as "the quality of family life at the systemic level, such as wellness, competence, strengths, and weaknesses of a family" (Shek, 2005: p. 518).To the knowledge of the investigators, only one study conducted by Henry, Tolan, and Gorman-Smith (2001) adopted a composite score of family relationship (i.e., cohesion, communication, belief about family, shared deviant beliefs, support, and organization) and parenting practices (i.e., positive parenting, discipline effectiveness, discipline avoidance, monitoring/involvement) to investigate four possible models about the relationships among family functioning, peers and delinquency among 246 male adolescents.…”

“…Several researchers have explored the moderating effect of family variables on the relationship between deviant peer association and delinquency, and have made mixed results (e.g., Coombs, Paulson, & Richardson, 1991;Farrell, Henry, Mays, & Schoeny, 2011;Galambos, Barker, & Almeida, 2003;Keenan et al, 1995;Lansford et al, 2003;Mason, Cauce, Gonzales, & Hiraga, 1994;Mrug & Windle, 2009;Poole & Regoli, 1979;Trucco, Colder, & Wieczorek, 2011;Vitario, Brendgen, & Tremblay, 2000;Warr, 1993;Zimmerman, Steinman, & Rowe, 1998). It remains unclear whether the buffering effect of family functioning exists or not, as few studies have examined family at a systemic level.…”