ERIC Number: EJ894228
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2010-Aug
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0278-095X
EISSN: N/A
Recent Findings on Peer Group Influences on Adolescent Smoking
Simons-Morton, Bruce G.; Farhat, Tilda
Journal of Primary Prevention, v31 n4 p191-208 Aug 2010
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.
Descriptors: Socialization, Smoking, Prevention, Parenting Styles, Child Rearing, Adolescents, Peer Groups, Social Influences, Longitudinal Studies, Peer Influence, Social Attitudes, Social Theories, Correlation, Parent Responsibility, Friendship
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Publication Type: Information Analyses; Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A