An Examination of Parental and Peer Influence on Substance Use and Criminal Offending During the Transition from Adolescence to Adulthood

By Jordan Beardslee, Sachiko Datta, Amy Byrd, Madeline Meier, Seth Prins, Magdalena Cerda, Dustin Pardini

January 1, 2018

Date

January 1, 2018

Time

12:00 AM

Abstract

Although peer behavior and parent-child-conflict have been associated with adolescent and young adults' behavior, prior studies have not adequately controlled for selection effects and other confounders, or examined whether associations change across the transition to adulthood or by race. Using annual data from young men followed from 17-26, within-individual change models examined whether substance use or offending increased in the year after boys began affiliating with friends who engaged in substance use/offending and/or experienced increased parent-son-conflict. Moderation analyses tested whether associations varied by age or race. Alcohol use, marijuana use, and offending (Black participants only) increased in the year after boys began affiliating with more peers who engaged in similar behaviors. Associations were strongest during adolescence for substance use. Parent-son conflict was not associated with the outcomes. Findings underscore the importance of developmental and racialized differences in understanding the role of social influences on young men’s substance use and offending.

Posted on:
January 1, 2018
Length:
1 minute read, 151 words
Tags:
adolescence offending parental influence peer influence social influences socialization substance use transition to adulthood
See Also:
Identifying Sensitive Periods When Changes in Parenting and Peer Factors Are Associated with Changes in Adolescent Alcohol and Marijuana Use
When Psychopathology Matters Most: Identifying Sensitive Periods When within-Person Changes in Conduct, Affective, and Anxiety Problems Are Associated with Male Adolescent Substance Use
Substance Use Disorders,