Peer Pressure and Substance Use: A Trajectory Analysis Using Primary Socialization Theory

• In Event: Theoretical Predictors of Substance Use

Abstract

Primary socialization theory is an advance to the literature. This theoretical premise helps us understand the role of peers in substance use. In short, the theory suggests that family, schools, and personality have a link with substance use through peers. In other words, peers have the most proximal link with substance use. Using longitudinal data from the NLSY79, we performed semi-parametric group based mixture modeling (SPGM) to determine the number and shape of trajectory groups for peers and substance use. Further, SPGM was used to examine the intersection between peers and substance use in a dual trajectory analysis. The results support primary socialization Theory.

Authors

• Emily Hayden, University of Louisville

• George E. Higgins, University of Louisville