The influence of peer, family, and school relationships in substance use among participants in a youth jobs program

This study tested the Primary Socialization Hypothesis of deviant behavior in examining drug use in a sample of adolescents. participating in a federally sponsored jobs program for disadvantaged youth. The Theory holds that peer, family, and schools are the principal agents in instilling pro-social norms in adolescents. A breakdown in family or school bonds can lead to association with deviant peer and subsequent drug use. Alcohol and marijuana were the drugs of choice among those who reported drug use. As predicted by the theory, family and school problems were significantly associated with negative peer influence. In turn, the probability of alcohol or drug use was significantly associated with the level of negative peer influence. (C) 2001 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.