Best writers. Best papers. Let professionals take care of your academic papers

Order a similar paper and get 15% discount on your first order with us
Use the following coupon "FIRST15"
ORDER NOW

INTERPLAY OF NETWORK POSITION AND PEER SUBSTANCE USE IN EARLY ADOLESCENT CIGARETTE, ALCOHOL AND MARIJUANA USE

/in /by

Abstract

Network position (isolate, member and liaison), peer-group substance use, and their interaction were examined as predictors of cigarette, alcohol, and marijuana use in a sample of 163 urban sixth, seventh, and eighth graders. Two measures of peer substance use were compared: one based on social network analysis (SNA), the other on perceptions of use. Results varied by substance. For cigarettes, network position and the interaction between position and peer-group use predicted use in the model using SNA to measure peer use. Liaisons were most likely to smoke, but isolates’ and members’ smoking was significantly associated with peer smoking. For alcohol, perceptions of peer- group alcohol use predicted individual use. For marijuana, peer-group use and the interaction between position and peer use predicted use, regardless of measure. Liaisons’ marijuana use was significantly associated with peer use. The importance of SNA for understanding peer factors in adolescent substance use is discussed.

Keywords

Peer relationships; networks; substance use; alcohol use; peer groups; tobacco use; smoking
Social network analysis (SNA) is an attractive approach for assessing social relationships, given the unique information it provides on interaction pat- terns, social structures, and their implications (Wasserman & Faust, 1994). It can be used to examine characteristics of individuals based on their connections to others, to compare those who occupy different peer groups, to examine processes of peer selection and socialization, and to assess the spread of information or behavior throughout a social system (Kobus, 2003). For these and other reasons, network analysis has come to be preferred over self-report methods for measuring homophily (similarity among peers) in studies of adolescent substance use (Bauman & Ennett, 1996; Bauman & Fisher, 1986; Kobus, 2003).

Network Position and Substance Use

The theoretical perspective of sociologist Georg Simmel (1950) suggests that peer influence is greatest in the most close-knit groups—a perspective that maps well with commonly held perceptions of peer pressure and parental concerns about “who my child’s friends are.” Simmel’s theoretical perspec- tive is based on the concept of triads, groups of three or more individuals connected by triangular relational ties, that is, where all three individuals identify each other as friends. The influential nature of peers is considered to be heightened in triads because of the potential for two-against-one pressures that lead to stronger enforcement of norms than is seen in dyads or among isolates (Bowen, 1978; Kerr & Bowen, 1988; Krackhardt, 1996; Simmel, 1950). According to this perspective, members of substance-using peer groups would be most similar to friends in their substance use behaviors…………………………………………………………………………………..
Place an order with us to get a customized paper similar to this or any related topic. NB: The assignment will be done from scratch and it
will be 100% original

 
Looking for a Similar Assignment? Order now and Get 10% Discount! Use Coupon Code "Newclient"