Primary Socialization Theory: The Etiology of Drug Use and Deviance. I

Abstract

The fundamental theorem of primary socialization theory is that normative and deviant behaviors are learned social behaviors, products of the interaction of social, psychological, and cultural characteristics, and that norms for social behaviors, including drug use, are learned predominantly in the context of interactions with the primary socialization sources. During adolescence, learning of social behaviors is frequently dominated by interactions with peer clusters. There are a number of additional postulates: 1) The strength of the bonds between the youth and the primary socialization sources is a major factor in determining how effectively norms are transmitted. 2) Any socialization link can transmit deviant norms, but healthy family and school systems are more likely to transmit prosocial norms. 3) Peer clusters can transmit either prosocial or deviant norms, but the major source of deviant norms is usually peer clusters. 4) Weak family/child and/ or school/child bonds increase the chances that the youth will bond with a deviant peer cluster and will engage in deviant behaviors. 5) Weak peer bonds can also ultimately increase the changes of bonding with deviant peers. Primary socialization theory is consistent with current research, has strong implications for improving prevention and treatment, and suggests specific hypotheses for further research.

Predictors of drug use among South African adolescents

“…A parent-child mutual attachment relationship which is marked by affection and identification with the parents has also been found to predict less tobacco, alcohol, and drug use in the adolescent [ 24 ]. In our research, the relationship of the parental characteristics domain (drug use, childrearing) to adolescent drug use is conceptualized as more distal than the adolescent's personal attributes and his/her association with deviant peers [ 24,25 ]. According to a family-interactional perspective [ 26 ], a weak parent-child mutual attachment relation is related to intrapsychic distress, and drug-using peers, both of which predict drug use [ 27 ].…”

“…According to a family-interactional perspective [ 26 ], a weak parent-child mutual attachment relation is related to intrapsychic distress, and drug-using peers, both of which predict drug use [ 27 ]. Oetting and Donnermeyer [ 25 ] note that adolescents with weak bonds to their family are more likely to be pulled into peer groups involved in delinquency and drug use.…”

Theory-based active ingredients of effective treatments for substance use disorders

“…These processes involve bonding, goal direction, and monitoring from family, friends, religion, and other aspects of traditional society; participating in rewarding activities that preclude or reduce the likelihood of substance use; selecting and emulating individuals who model conventional behavior and shun substance use; and building self-confidence and effective coping skills (Oetting & Donnermeyer, 1998;Petraitis et al, 1995). The perspective I have espoused here is that the benefits of intervention programs depend on these processes, which underlie the growth of personal and social resources and protect individuals from developing substance use in the first place (Moos, 2006).…”

“…The perspective I espouse here is that the probable active ingredients that underlie effective psychosocial treatments for substance use disorders are conceptually comparable to the social processes that protect individuals from developing substance use problems (Oetting & Donnermeyer, 1998;Petraitis et al, 1995). In this regard, four related theories have been applied to identify key social processes that, if present, protect individuals against the initiation and development of substance use problems and facilitate their resolution.…”

Mediators and Moderators of Parental Involvement on Substance Use: A National Study of Adolescents

“…Primary socialization theory asserts that parents, school, and peer clusters are the critical socializing forces for adolescent drug use and delinquency in Western culture, and thus these are most likely important across all ethnic groups in the United States (Oetting & Donnermeyer, 1998).…”