Association With Deviant Peers Across Adolescence: Subtypes, Developmental Patterns, and Long-Term Outcomes

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Addiction Research

Background:

• Inconsistent measurement of deviant peer involvement obscures understanding of its subtypes, developmental trajectories, and outcomes.
• Previous research has not adequately differentiated between types and severity of deviant peer behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To derive subtypes of deviant peer involvement using latent class analysis.
• To examine the relationship between these subtypes and the risk of substance use disorder in adulthood.

Main Methods:

• Latent class analysis was used to identify distinct profiles of deviant peer involvement in youth across three time points (ages 10-16).
• Longitudinal data were collected from a cohort of 775 youth, with follow-up assessments into adulthood (age 22).
• Substance use disorder was assessed in adulthood using a structured interview.

Main Results:

• Four classes of deviant peer involvement were identified, varying by type (conduct problems vs. substance use) and severity.
• Involvement with deviant peers generally increased across adolescence, suggesting some behaviors may be normative.
• Earlier onset and higher severity of deviant peer involvement, especially involving conduct problems and substance use, were strongly associated with increased risk for adult substance use disorder.

Conclusions:

• Deviant peer involvement is heterogeneous, with distinct subtypes.
• The type and severity of deviant peer behavior differentially predict long-term risk for substance use disorder.
• Screening and assessment for substance use disorder risk should consider the specific type and severity of peer deviant behavior during adolescence.