Popularity among peers AS A condition for A child's risk of substance abuse

Popularity or recognition as a friend among peers is a core element in some approaches to substance abuse prevention and treatment. Its effect on a child's risk of substance abuse has not been conclusive in view of the findings involving both positive and negative effects. This study analyzing survey data from 2,051 pupils in Hong Kong, China, ascertain the effects of popularity in the presence of other predictors. Results show that the effect of popularity on substance abuse risk was not significant. Nonetheless, the interaction between popularity and substance abuse generated a significant positive effect on the risk that a child who has experienced substance abuse has a high tendency to have a relapse. This effect embodies the logic of reinforcement in social learning theory. The findings imply that preventive approaches relying on the promotion of popularity among peers need to be cautious and selective to avoid the reinforcement effect. © 2010 by the Journal of Drug Issues.