Individual, family, and peer influences on substance use, delinquency, and problem behaviors among at-risk Asian American and Pacific Islander adolescents

2012-09-22The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of individual, family and peer influences on substance use and delinquent behaviors among Asian American and Pacific Islander high school students in Southern California. A non-experimental, quantitative approach was utilized in this study. ❧ A sample of 128 Asian American and Pacific Islander high school students completed a 140-item online survey assessing their individual, family and peer influences as well as self-reported problem behaviors, including delinquent behaviors and substance use. Results indicated that peer delinquency was predictive of substance use and delinquency, whereas individual and family factors were not. Gender differences in this study showed that males were more likely to use substances or engage in delinquent behaviors as compared to females. Current family cohesiveness and adaptability as well as GPA were predictive of delinquency. Acculturation towards European American values was predictive of marijuana use