The Effects of Peer Influence and Spouse Influence on Substance Use

• In Event: Peer, Parental, and Spousal Influences on the Development of Antisocial Behaviors

Abstract

Turning points and mechanisms underlying desistance from substance use are consistently understudied (Teruya & Hser 2010). Research has found that achievement of family roles is associated with reduced substance use but has not examined the mechanisms through which marriage operates (Staff et al. 2010). In transitioning to adulthood, spouses replace peers as the primary influence on decision making. Therefore, marriage may lead to desistance because it leads people to “knife off” relationships with friends who promote definitions favorable to substance use or weakens peer influence (Laub & Sampson 2003; Sutherland 1939). This study examines whether the role of peer influence on an individual’s substance use changes after marriage. Using Monitoring the Future Restricted-Use Panel Data, this study utilizes multi-level models to examine how peer influence, peer substance use, and marital status affect non-prescription drug use over time. I assess whether people with higher peer influence measures have higher substance use across waves compared to people with lower peer influence and if these affects vary by marital status. I also assess if individuals’ substance use changes over time due to variations in peer groups or marital status. Results and directions for future research will be discussed.

Author

• Sarah Kirk, University of Missouri - St. Louis