Psychological explanation

• What does 'nurture' refer to in addiction theories?

  Influence of experience from physical and/or social environment
• Who are considered peers?

  People who are equal in terms of something, i.e., age or education
• What does Bandura's social learning theory suggest?


  We learn by observing others.
• Why do we imitate others according to social learning theory?

  We imitate them especially if they are seen to be rewarded or those who we identify with, such as peers.
• What are social norms?

  Behaviors considered normal or acceptable
• How do social norms influence behavior?

  We look to others to determine normal behavior
• What is social identity theory?

  Identifying with social groups and the want for acceptance. Therefore, you behave like them.
• Why do adolescents feel pressure to conform?

  To be accepted by their peer group
• How are opportunities for addictive behavior created?

  By peers: They influence addictive behavior as they provide opportunities to smoke or use alcohol. Peers may also provide direct instruction for what to do.
• What is one strength of peer influence in addiction?

  Research support shows a strong correlation
• What did Simons-Morton and Farhat find in their review?

  Reviewed 40 studies into relationship between peers and smoking and all but one showed a positive correlation. It does not identify a cause and effect but suggests peer influences are a risk factor.
• What is a weakness of peer influence in addiction?

  Peers may not influence but are selected
• What does the concept of peer selection imply?

  Addiction may result from choosing similar peers
• What is a strength regarding real-world application of peer influence?

  Normative education programs show success
• What did Hansen and Graham find about peer influence programs?

  In 1991, they compared two programmes for reducing substance abuse. Resistance skills and normative education. Normative education was found to be more successful than resistance skills