Citation

Savolainen I, Kaakinen M, Sirola A, Oksanen A. Addict. Behav. Rep. 2018; 7: 75-81.

Affiliation

Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.abrep.2018.03.002

PMID

29892700

PMCID

PMC5993892

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Research suggests the sense of belonging to primary groups functions as an important social resource for youth well-being, but it can be compromised among those dealing with addiction. The current study examined how adolescents' and emerging adults' identification with a primary peer group consisting of friends, mediates the relationship between addictive behaviors and psychological distress.

METHOD: The study utilized demographically balanced survey data on 1200 Finnish participants aged 15 to 25 (mean age 21.29, 50% female). Measures were included for psychological distress, excessive drinking, excessive drug use, excessive gambling, excessive Internet use, and peer group identification.

RESULTS: All forms of addictive behaviors had a significant direct relationship with higher psychological distress. Excessive drug use, gambling and Internet use were associated with a weaker identification with a peer group, which predicted higher psychological distress. Contrary to the above findings, excessive drinking was linked to stronger peer group identification, mediating psychological distress downwards.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings support past research and provide a mediation model explanation onto how weaker social relations add to negative well-being consequences in different addictive behaviors, thus underlining the importance of expanding our understanding of social group outcomes among young individuals.

Language: en

Keywords

Addiction; Primary groups; Psychological distress; Social identification