NCJ Number
129723
Journal
Journal of Psychology Volume: 120 Issue: 1 Pages: 83-95
Date Published
Unknown
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This study investigated the impact of perceived peer and adult substance use on reported self-use among black, white, Hispanic, and Asian teenagers.
Abstract
Study participants included 1,634 adolescents in grades 7-9 who were selected from 11 Los Angeles County area schools. In terms of ethnicity, 24 percent were black, 56 percent were white, 15 percent were Hispanic, and 5 percent were Asian; 64 percent were female and 34 percent were male. Each participant completed a questionnaire that assessed their frequency of use for 13 drug substances on a 5-point rating scale (never tried, only once, a few times, many times, and regularly). Each respondent also completed items about their perception of drug use by adults they knew. In addition, participants were asked to indicate how many of their friends drink beer/wine at least once a month, smoke marijuana or hashish at least once a month, drink hard liquor, or take pills to get high at least once a month. In general, Asians and blacks reported the least self-use, blacks reported the most adult models, and whites reported the most peer models. Differential patterns of increased use and perceived use were found across the four ethnic groups by grade level. Perceived peer use of beer/wine, liquor, and marijuana was associated more with self-use than with perceived adult use. Only whites reported a significantly greater influence of peers over adults on self-use for pills. Blacks reported the least impact of peers on self-use for all substances. Study findings are discussed in terms of differential vulnerability to modeling and vicarious learning. 18 references and 3 tables (Author abstract modified)