Using a EQS computer program, this study reevaluates data on drug use, peer drug associations, school adjustment, family sanctions, religious identification, and family strength in a sample of 415 high school students to analyze the peer cluster theory that hypothesizes that peer drug association has a direct impact on adolescent drug use.
The analysis showed two exceptions to the earlier theory: that family sanctions and school adjustment both have direct effects on drug use. The alternative models suggested by the authors support the theory that the family, peer drug associations, religious identification, and recreational drug use impact on school adjustment; this finding underscores previous research on the importance of this life domain for young adolescents. 3 figures and 21 notes