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Peer vs. parental influence in substance use among hispanic and Anglo children and adolescents

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Abstract

The relative influence of peer and parental influence on youths' use of alcohol and other drugs is explored among 446 Anglo and Hispanic youths, ages 9–17. Current users and abstainers are similar in age and gender. Among both groups, parental influence is more profound than that of peers. However, substance users, compared to abstainers, are more influenced by peers. Level of marijuana use by youths' friends is the most reliable predictor of drug use. Youths having viable relationships with parents are less involved with drugs and less influenced by drug-oriented peers.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. UCLA School of Medicine, USA

    Robert H. Coombs Ph.D. in sociology and philosophy of science (Professor of Biobehavioral Sciences, Director) & Morris J. Paulson Ph.D. in clinical psychology (Professor of Biobehavioral Sciences)

  2. Office of Education, UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute and Hospital, USA

    Robert H. Coombs Ph.D. in sociology and philosophy of science (Professor of Biobehavioral Sciences, Director)

  3. Washington State University, USA

    Robert H. Coombs Ph.D. in sociology and philosophy of science (Professor of Biobehavioral Sciences, Director)

  4. University of Kansas, USA

    Morris J. Paulson Ph.D. in clinical psychology (Professor of Biobehavioral Sciences)

  5. University of California, Los Angeles

    Mark A. Richardson M.A. (Doctoral student in clinical psychology)

  6. UCLA, USA

    Mark A. Richardson M.A. (Doctoral student in clinical psychology)

Authors
  1. Robert H. Coombs Ph.D. in sociology and philosophy of science
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  2. Morris J. Paulson Ph.D. in clinical psychology
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  3. Mark A. Richardson M.A.
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Additional information

Funded by a grant (A-003-2) from the California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs, R. H. Coombs, principal investigator.

Research interests include comparative socialization patterns of adolescents and young adults in substance abuse vs. conventional careers.

Research interests include domestic violence, child abuse, and substance abuse.

Research interests include family interaction patterns, cross-cultural differences, and substance abuse prevention and treatment.

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Coombs, R.H., Paulson, M.J. & Richardson, M.A. Peer vs. parental influence in substance use among hispanic and Anglo children and adolescents. J Youth Adolescence 20, 73–88 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01537352

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01537352

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