Peer selection as a mechanism for preventing adolescent substance use: Current approaches and future directions

Abstract

• One third of lessons in the prevention programs examined focused on peer selection. • Behavioral similarity was the most frequently targeted peer selection process. • Reflection was often encouraged when peer selection was targeted. • Peer selection holds great promise as a mechanism for preventing substance use. Despite previous research highlighting the importance of peer selection and socialization as distinct processes contributing to adolescent substance use, prior research indicates that universal school-based substance use prevention programs focus more heavily on socialization when compared to selection. This content analysis examining the peer selection processes targeted by prevention programs is guided by the following research questions: (1) To what extent do current evidence-based programs target peer selection? (2) When peer selection is targeted, what underlying mechanisms are the focus? (3) What level of depth is reached when peer selection is targeted by prevention programs? Using the Blueprints for Healthy Youth Development database, two programs meeting our inclusion criteria were included in this study. Thirty-three percent of program lessons included a focus on the peer selection process. Behavioral similarity was targeted more frequently than selection based on popularity. When peer selection was targeted, reflection was often encouraged. Peer selection is a promising mechanism for the development of future prevention programs. Future intervention research that helps to test the malleability of peer selection processes would help to better understand how to best incorporate peer selection processes into prevention program content.