Social influences as explanations for substance use differences among Asian-American and European-American adolescents

The present study examines the social influences in the Asian-American and European-American adolescent environment to provide a greater understanding of effect of ethnic differences on the prevalence of substance abuse. Participants were 957 Asian-American and 3705 European-American seventh grade adolescents. It was found that Asian-American students were less likely to use alcohol and cigarettes, and had a more abstinence-promoting environment than European-American adolescents. This difference in Asian-American adolescents appeared to be the result of less adult and peer influence to use alcohol or cigarettes, less offers of alcohol, and an increased likelihood of having an intact family when compared to European-American adolescents. Additionally, Asian-American adolescents reported having fewer friends and spending less time with their friends than European-American adolescents. It was concluded that social influences play an important role in explaining why Asian-American adolescents have lower rates of substance use.