Poster #232 - The Onset and Progression of Early Adolescent Alcohol Use and Cigarette Smoking in China

• In Event: 2-110 - Poster Session 07
  In Poster Session: PS 07 Section - Social Relationships

Integrative Statement

INTRODUCTION: There has been extensive interest in understanding the onset and progression of adolescent substance use (Chassin, Hussong, & Beltran, 2009). These efforts focus on both the predictors and consequences of adolescent substance use. Peer influence has been determined to be a particularly important factor in the prediction of early adolescent substance use (Van Ryzin & Dishion, 2014). Although empirical research outlines clear connections between peer relationship dynamics and adolescent substance use, much of this research has been limited to investigations within Europe and the US, excluding a broader cultural perspective on peer socialization processes.
GOALS: The current longitudinal study aims to close this empirical gap by considering the social impact of peers on substance use in China—a vertical collectivist society with a strong emphasis on social relationships and groups (Chen, 2010). Specifically, we conducted a longitudinal social network analysis assessment of peer relationship choice (selection) as well as peer socialization (influence) as these relate to the onset and progression of early adolescent substance use in China. Gender differences in these social and developmental trajectories will also be considered. The social emphasis of vertical-collectivism makes the social pressures and influences over adolescent substance use of particular interest.
METHODS: Participants were 880 (399 girls) middle school students from Lanzhou, Gansu, a provincial capital and industrial center of China with a population of approximately three and a half million. Peer network nominations were made by adolescents (e.g., “who are your friends”). Alcohol use and cigarette smoking was self-reported using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL; Achenbach, 1991) (e.g., “During the past 12 months, how often did you [smoke cigarettes / drink beer, wine, or liquor]?”). Data were analyzed using RSiena for the analysis of longitudinal social network data (Ripley, Snijders, Boda, Voros, & Preciado, 2018).
RESULTS: Longitudinal social network models revealed that that Chinese middle school students are influenced by their peers toward increasing levels of alcohol use and cigarette smoking. Furthermore, boys tend to increase their cigarette smoking at a rate greater than that of girls, but there were no gender differences in the rate of increase in alcohol use. Regarding selection effects, Chinese adolescents do not appear to select their peers on the basis of similarities in cigarette smoking or alcohol use; however, both cigarette smoking and alcohol use were associated with higher levels of social acceptance in the peer group (e.g., more friendship nominations received).
CONCLUSIONS: Most researchers have found both selection and influence effects, with others finding influence and fewer finding only selection. The findings of influence effects is consistent with the existence of the widespread Chinese drinking culture in which alcohol is used for ceremonies and cement friendship and business bonds. Alcohol use by adolescents is common in China and youth drink t to celebrate special occasions (birthdays, completion of exams) and it is likely that group influence is strong. Less is known about the context of tobacco use, but perhaps similar processes occur for this as well.

Authors

• Dawn DeLay, Arizona State University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Siman Zhao, University of Dayton
  Non-Presenting Author

• Mengqian Shen, Purdue University
  Presenting Author

• Rachel E Cook, Arizona State University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Doran French, Purdue University
  Non-Presenting Author