Risk Factor - Peer Groups

Question 1

Outline Peer Groups as a risk factor (3 points)

Answer 1

• Peer networks replace parents as the primary source of reinforcement from ages 12-14, meaning peers may be a big risk factor as a teen
• This is also the age when many experiment with addictive behaviours E.G. smoking & drinking, which we can infer is due to peer influence
• We also know that smokers, for instance, are far more likely to befriend other smokers

Question 2

How does Research into SLT explain Peer Network influence? (3 points)

Answer 2

• Learn addictive behaviours through observation of others, especially those most in contact
• Regardless of encouragement, once an addictive behaviour is started, experience determines whether it is continued
• Equal status role models (like peers) are more important in the initiation of addiction - not necessarily its maintenance

Question 3

How does the Social Identity Theory explain Peer Network influence? (2 points)

Answer 3

• Much of our social identity is gained through being members of groups, where we adopt the norms & behaviours central to the group
• For example, in peer groups where smoking is central, individuals will likely be similar in their smoking habits and consumption - which can be seen with how they will often share the same brand

Question 4

Strength Outline Sussman & Ames’ (2001) research (2 points)

Answer 4

• Showed that peer use of drugs was one of the best predictors of future drug use
• Peers help create subjective norms that such behaviour is socially acceptable

Question 5

Strength Describe the Practical Application: Social Norm Intervention (2 points)

Answer 5

• Addresses adolescent behaviour & attitude formation by focussing on adolescent perceptions of how their peers think, this approach challenges overestimations of problem behaviours
• Can decrease the likelihood of addictions via education

Question 6

Weakness Explain why AGE is a large factor of peer influence (2 points)

Answer 6

• For example, in early adolescence peers are definitely influential, but as time passes they are replaced with partners as the primary source of reinforcement
• Overtime and later in life, peers may hold less influence