Risk factors and addiction: Peer groups Flashcards
When do peer networks become influential?
They become the primary source of reinforcement from about the ages of 12 - 14 (Hinde). This impressionable age is when many adolescents experiment with addictive behaviours such as drinking or smoking.
How does SLT explain peer networks influence in addiction?
Research into SLT – states that you learn through observation of others and those they have most contact with. Peer encouragement and approval can also serve as a big reinforcement. But once an addictive behaviour is started (e.g. smoking) direct experience determines whether they are continued.
How does social identity theory explain peer networks’ influence in addiction?
(SIT, by Tajfel 1970). Much of our social identity is gained through being members of ingroups, where we adopt norms and behaviours central to the group.
What are the effects of peer networks?
PEER NETWORKS impact at all stages of addiction. Most research shows how peers may influence the initiation and maintenance of addiction they may also be critical in relapse.
How does peer pressure via conformity influence addiction?
Refer to social influence and conformity in this section. Normative social influence (NSI) will be a huge influence here and suggests that addictions can start as a result of trying to ‘fit in’.
PEER GROUPS - Research evidence?
Sussman and Ames’ (2001) 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 (or subjective norms) that such behaviours are socially acceptable.
PEER GROUPS - Cause and effect?
We cannot be sure that peer group membership leads to addictive behaviour or if addictive behaviour takes us to joining a peer group that will facilitate this behaviour,
This suggests that correlational links do not indicate cause and effect so do not provide a full explanation
PEER GROUPS - Individual differences?
We cannot assume that peer influence can be experienced the same by all as it is at different ages that peers have an impact - mostly for age 14 when they are beginning to establish themselves and therefore, may be more susceptible to peer group influence but older adolescents, may not have this same worry about making friends as have become more established in themselves and know who they are so less influenced by peers.
This means general laws (nomothetic) cannot be created from this idea as age changes the influence peer pressure has on individuals.
PEER GROUPS - Practical applications?
Due to early onset drinking has been identified as a key factor in addiction, social norms interventions have been developed to address adolescent behaviour and attitudes formation.
This is by focusing on adolescent perceptions of what their peers think, this approach challenges underestimations of problem behaviours. Correcting these misperceptions through education can decrease addictions and likelihood of substance dependence
