Work

Under the Influence of Norms: Social Support and the Use of Alcohol and Cannabis Among Reservation-Based Adolescents

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Adolescent substance use is influenced by social support and social norms, which can be protective or risk-enhancing. This study analyzed survey data at baseline and 6-month follow-up from 919 adolescents attending schools on or near the Cherokee Nation Reservation. Generalized linear mixed-effects models assessed the influence of social support from parents/caregivers, teachers, community adults, and peers on alcohol and cannabis use with tests of moderation by injunctive and descriptive norms. Results revealed significant moderation in four of ten models. Parental support had stronger protective effects on alcohol use when parental disapproval was high, and teacher support had stronger protective effects on cannabis use when adult disapproval was high. Community adult support consistently protected against cannabis use. In low-normative contexts, friend support was a risk factor for alcohol use. Findings show the complex interaction of social support and norms with source- and substance-specific effects alongside implications for theory and prevention.

Source: Youth & Society

DOI: 10.1177/0044118x251399829

Authors: Caroline M. Barry, Melvin D. Livingston, Juli R. Skinner, Kelli A. Komro

Institutions: Emory University, Cherokee Nation

Language: English

Topic: Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,650