Decomposing the Influence of Delinquent Peer Association on Adolescent Substance Use in Greater China

• In Event: Social Influences on Antisocial Attitudes and Behaviors

Abstract

Delinquent peer association has been recognized as one of the most consistent predictors of juvenile delinquency. Previous studies have predominantly relied on differential association/social learning theories to explain the direct effect of delinquent peers but have paid scant attention to other criminological theories that might demonstrate the mediating mechanism between these two variables. To address this research gap, the present study aims to decompose the effect of delinquent peer association on adolescent substance use by identifying critical links mediated by social learning, lifestyle/routine activity, and general strain. Using data from a sample of 8,926 middle and high school students in the Greater China Region, the study found that attitudes toward substances, lifestyle, and victimization mediated the relationship between delinquent peer association and substance use. Furthermore, the mediating effect varied across different types of substances (i.e., cigarettes, alcohol, and illicit drugs), with social learning and general stain theory most consistently explaining all types of substances. Results underscored the complexity of the relationship between delinquent peer association and adolescent substance use, which requires a multifaceted theoretical approach to achieve a comprehensive understanding. This study also highlighted the importance of recognizing that the mediating mechanisms may differ depending on the substance involved.

Authors

• Kehui Wu, University of Macau

• Spencer De Li, University of Macau