Protective Factors Against Substance Use Among Asian American Youth: A Test of the Peer Cluster Theory

Few viable theoretical models of risk and protective factors for adolescent substance use have been empirically tested on diverse populations. The purpose of this study was twofold. First, the cross-cultural validity of Oetting and Beauvais ’ (1987) peer cluster theory was tested on a sample of Asian American youth. Second, the effect of youths ’ immigration experience on the relationship among the protective factors was examined. Results showed partial support for the validity of the peer cluster model for this sample. As hypothesized, the peer domain variable was significantly related to substance use, while the family domain variable served as a protective factor against substance use. However, the school domain variable did not have any direct or indirect effects on substance use. There were no significant differences in the path model when the sample was split according to youth immigrant status. Implications for substance use prevention are discussed. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Widespread concern over adolescent substance use and abuse has stimulated extensive research during the past two decades on the etiology and prevention of drug use among youth. Much of the earlier research focused on identifying risk factors involve