@article{ref1,
title="Addictive behaviors and psychological distress among adolescents and emerging adults: a mediating role of peer group identification",
journal="Addictive behaviors reports",
year="2018",
author="Savolainen, Iina and Kaakinen, Markus and Sirola, Anu and Oksanen, Atte",
volume="7",
number="",
pages="75-81",
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. <br><br>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. <br><br>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. <br><br>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.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="2352-8532",
doi="10.1016/j.abrep.2018.03.002",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.abrep.2018.03.002"
}