| Throughout the research literature on deviance, deviant behavior among the peer group has been found to be the best predictor of deviance. This study examines the role of the family in inhibiting deviance among respondents who report having deviant peers. The research focuses on a group of respondents (N=332) from the National Youth Survey. These respondents reported in 1979 that they had riot used marijuana in the previous year, but they had friends who did. Examining 1980 data for this group, I distinguish those respondents who continue to report non-use (N=238) from those who report that they have started using marijuana (N=94). The research reported here suggests that the role of family function in mediating the effects of deviant peers is more complex than was expected, The data reveal that adolescents' beliefs about their parents' probable reaction to the use of marijuana is significantly related to their actual use. Those who anticipated a negative reaction from their parents were less likely to use. Also, those who reported that being honest with their parents is important to them were less likely to use. However, the majority of the variables examined were not found significantly related to use. |
Updated 05/20/2006