The Influence of Close Friends on Adolescent Substance Use: Does Popularity Matter?

摘要: The goal of this study was to determine whether adolescents’ relative popularity plays a protective role against peer influences towards substance abuse as suggested by Social Discrepancy model (Bukowski et al., 2008), or whether, conversely, represents vulnerability factor the Socialization-Popularity (Allen 2005). To achieve goal, we used sample 531 adolescents followed from ages 10-11 through 14-15. Participants and their friends provided self-reports use. Peers rated participants in terms popularity. Results suggest that having consume more at 12-13 predicts an increase use In line with model, but opposite who were popular greater risk adopting drug- related behaviors friends, particularly if these also popular. Theoretical practical implications results are discussed.