Peer Cluster Theory, Socialization Characteristics, and Adolescent Drug Use: A Path Analysis

• NCJ Number: 129851
• Journal: Journal of Counseling Psychology Volume: 34 Issue: 2 Dated: (1987) Pages: 205-213
• Author(s): E R Oetting; F Beauvais
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 9 pages
• Grant Number(s): DA03371
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute on Drug Abuse
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

A sample of 415 high school students was studied to test peer cluster theory, a psychosocial model that suggests that the socialization factors to which adolescents are exposed interact to produce peer clusters that either encourage or sanction against drug use. The theory holds that other socialization factors including family relations and family sanctions, religious affiliation, and school adjustment influence drug use only as they affect peer clusters.

Abstract

The results of this study, which used a path analysis, demonstrate that these socialization variables are related to drug use and confirm their influence through their impact on peer clusters. The theory suggests that, in order to be effective, prevention campaigns and treatment programs must be tailored and maintained to influence adolescents' choice of peers, the creation of peer clusters, and the development of peer cluster sanctions against drug use. 1 table, 1 figure, and 59 references (Author abstract modified)