Risk Factors and Addiction- Peer Groups Flashcards
How does peer pressure work?
- Peer networks replace parents in becoming the primary source of reinforcement from around the ages of 12-14 years, yet their influence reduces with age
- This impressionable age is when many adolescents experiment with some addictive behaviours (smoking/drinking)
How does research into social learning theory link to peer groups?
- You learn through observation of others and those you have most contact with
- Peer encouragement and approval also serve as a big reinforcement
- Once an addictive behaviour is started, direct experience determines whether they’re continued
How does social identity theory link to peer groups?
- Theory states that much of our social identity is gained through being members of in groups, where we adopt the norms and behaviours central to the group
- E.g. in peer groups where status as ‘smokers’ is central, individuals are likely to be similar in their smoking habits and consumption
How does conformity lead to peer pressure?
Peers may conform to addictive behaviours through normative social influence, as peers will find it difficult to go against their group so therefore may conform to a behaviour which may become addictive
If the point is:
A strength of peer groups as a risk factor is that there is evidence to support the notion that peers influence addictive behaviours.
What is the evidence and link?
Evidence- Sussman and Ames’ research has shown that peer use of drugs was one of the best predictors of future drug use by others. It was believed that peers helped create normative perceptions that such behaviours are socially acceptable.
Link- This suggests that peer influence is a significant factor in addiction and its management.
If the point is:
A weakness of peer groups as a risk factor is that the role of peer networks is heavily influenced by age and has minimal impact at certain stages throughout out lives.
What is the evidence and link?
Evidence- Family can influence children to a varied amount dependent on the age. For example, research frequently finds that the peak age of parental influence is 7, but by 12-18 our peers are the most influential group in our lives. This counters this explanation, given that this is likely that most addictions will occur after the age of 18.
Link- As may people develop addictions at a later stage in life when their peer group may hold less influence, this means that the explanation is slightly limited.
If the point is:
A strength of peer groups as a risk factor is that research into it has good practical applications.
What is the evidence, explanation and link?
Evidence- An early onset of drinking has been identified as a key factor in addiction, so social norm interventions have been developed to address adolescent behaviour and attitude formation.
Explanation- Through focusing on adolescent perceptions of how their peers think, this approach challenges overestimations of problem behaviours.
Link- This implies that correcting these misperceptions through education can decrease addictions and the likelihood of substance dependence.
What are the evaluation points for peer groups as a risk factor?
+ Evidence to support the notion that peers influence addictive behaviours
— Role of peer networks is heavily influenced by age and has minimal impact at certain stages throughout our lives
+ Research into peer networks and addictions has good practical applications
— This factor is only correlational, as it cannot be confirmed whether group membership or addictive behaviours appear first, or if they are both a result of a 3rd unknown factor
If the point is:
A weakness of peer groups as a risk factor is that this factor is only correlational, as it cannot be confirmed whether group membership or addictive behaviours appear first, or if they are both a result of a 3rd unknown factor.
What is the evidence, explanation and link?
Evidence- For example, is it possible that groups are formed because of the addiction?
Explanation- This may happen as those addicted to the same thing are more like to find themselves in similar places. Students that smoke are more likely to be friends because they find themselves spending more time using smoking facilities than those who do not smoke.
Link- This means that peer groups may not always be the most influenced factor in terms of developing and maintaining an addiction, as they may actually be a consequence of the addiction itself.
