Cross-sex best friendship influences on early adolescent cigarette and alcohol expectancies and use.
In this study, the author investigates the influences of cross-sex best friends in early adolescence in regard to cigarettes and alcohol. Specific goals include determining the prevalence of cross-sex best friendships, investigating expectancies and perceived approval of the use of cigarettes and alcohol, and examining substance use levels. A group of urban sixth, seventh, and eighth graders completed a survey that addressed these issues. Results indicate the presence of cross-sex best friendships in the sample. Significant findings on cross-sex best friends' influence include positive expectancies for alcohol in sixth (p = .006) grade, the perception of seventh graders that the best friend's attitudes about smoking (p = .003) and drinking (p = .001) are less negative, and higher levels of cigarette use in sixth (p = .001) and eighth (p = .024) grade and alcohol use in sixth (p = .008), seventh (p = .002), and eighth grades (p = .039).
Malow-Iroff
Micheline S
MS
Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education, Queens College, City University of New York, USA. mmalowir@qc1.qc.edu
D000293:Adolescent; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D033062:Friends / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010379:Peer Group; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D013334:Students