Links between peer group affiliation, family functioning, and adolescent risk-taking behavior

Previous studies of adolescent risk-taking behavior have looked at drug use and risky sexual behavior, although no study to date has examined risk-taking behavior across adolescent peer groups using a sample of 10th through 12th graders. Also, no study has looked at the relationship between family functioning and problem behaviors across adolescent peer groups. The present study explores the connection between peer group membership and risk-taking behaviors (i.e., drug use and sexual activity). It is hypothesized that certain peer groups engage in higher drug use and sexual activity than others. In addition, poor family relations were expected to correlate with higher levels of problem behavior, and family relations were predicted to differ across peer groups. In contrast to girls, boys were expected to show increased risk-taking behavior, especially if family relations were poor.; Participants were 250 adolescents in grades 10 through 12 whose peer relations, family functioning, and risk-taking behavior were assessed during home interviews. Peer relations were assessed using the Peer Group Questionnaire, while family functioning was evaluated using the Self-Report Family Inventory and the Social Support Scale for Children and Adolescents. Risk-taking behavior was assessed using the Survey of Risk-Taking Behavior.; Results revealed that boys (versus girls) reported more alcohol use, as well as sexual activity with a stranger. Peer group differences in risk-taking behavior were also found, with "Burnouts" reporting heavier drug use, but not more risky sexual behavior. "Brains" had lower drug use and less sexual behavior. Family conflict was associated with drug use in general, while uncohesiveness and low parent support were linked to cigarette and alcohol use. Family functioning was not related to risky sexual behavior. In addition, the peer groups did not differ in overall family functioning.; Limitations of the current study include the absence of high school dropouts, the reliance on self-report measures, and the sole use of cross-sectional data. Given these possible drawbacks, it is suggested that future studies include other methods to examine peer group membership and family functioning, and explore protective factors that curtail drug use and sexual behavior during adolescence.