Recent findings on peer group influences on adolescent smoking.
This review addresses peer group influences on adolescent smoking with a particular focus on recently published longitudinal studies that have investigated the topic. Specifically, we examine the theoretical explanations for how social influence works with respect to adolescent smoking; discuss the association between peer and adolescent smoking; consider socialization and selection processes with respect to smoking; investigate the relative influence of best friends, close friends, and crowd affiliations; and examine parenting behaviors that could buffer the effects of peer influence. Our review indicates the following with respect to adolescent smoking: (a) substantial peer group homogeneity of smoking behavior; (b) support for both socialization and selection effects, although evidence is somewhat stronger for selection; (c) an interactive influence of best friends, peer groups, and crowd affiliation; and (d) an indirect protective effect of positive parenting practices against the uptake of adolescent smoking. We conclude with implications for research and prevention programs.
Simons-Morton
Bruce G
BG
Prevention Research Branch, Division of Epidemiology, Statistics, and Prevention Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, 6100 Executive Blvd Room 7B13C, Bethesda, MD, 20892-7510, USA.
Farhat
Tilda
T
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D016487:Parenting / Q000523:psychology*; D010379:Peer Group; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D012944:Social Support