Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 2, 2025

Author Spotlight: Understanding Adolescent Social Adversity Effects on Neurodevelopment in Mice
Published on: March 15, 2024
Longitudinal Effects of Peer, School, and Parenting Contexts on Substance Use Initiation in Middle Adolescence
Barry Ladis1, Elisa M Trucco2,3,4, Hui Huang1
1Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, United States.
Abstract:
Purpose: Preventing substance use initiation (SUI) can reduce negative consequences associated with adult substance use disorder. The role of involvement with deviant peers, school connectedness, and parenting quality on SUI was investigated among a community sample (N = 387).Method: PROCESS tested whether three parenting quality factors (Parental Knowledge and Affective Relationships, Parental Control, and Parental Communication and Involvement) served as moderators of two different mediation pathways (involvement with deviant peers and school connectedness) on three SUI outcomes (alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana).Results: Involvement with deviant peers mediated the relation between school connectedness and substance use. Low school connectedness predicted high deviant peer affiliation, which, in turn, predicted high SUI. School connectedness did not mediate involvement with deviant peers and substance use. Parenting quality factors were not significant moderators.Conclusion: Supporting adolescents who lack strong school connections may help prevent involvement with deviant peers, which, in turn, may prevent SUI.
Related Concept Videos
Influence of Parents and Peers on Identity
Parental Influence on Identity Development
Parents serve as primary guides and managers in an adolescent's life, offering support instrumental in decision-making and personal growth....
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Sources of Self-Esteem I: Family Experience
Longitudinal Studies
Conduct Disorder
Longitudinal Research

