Quality Of Friendship And Perceived Peer Pressure Among Adolescents With Substance Use Disorder

Abstract

The quality of friendship and peer interactions may play an important role in adolescent substance use. The present study examined and compared friendship quality and perceived peer pressure among adolescents with and without substance use disorder (SUD). The study employed a quantitative, cross-sectional comparative design. A total of 80 adolescents aged 15–19 years participated, comprising 40 adolescents with SUD and 40 adolescents without SUD. Participants were selected using purposive sampling and assessed using a semi-structured proforma for sociodemographic information and history taking. SUD was established using the ICD-10 clinical descriptions and diagnostic guidelines. Friendship Quality Scale, and Peer Pressure Inventory were administered to assess family environment, friendship quality, and perceived peer pressure, respectively. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the Mann–Whitney U test. Significant differences were observed between the two groups across all dimensions of friendship quality and peer pressure. Adolescents with SUD reported lower levels of companionship, help, security, and closeness and higher levels of friendship conflict. They also showed higher scores on peer conformity, peer involvement, and misconduct, whereas adolescents without SUD showed higher scores on family and school involvement. The findings highlight the importance of friendship quality and peer-related experiences in understanding adolescent substance use and may provide a basis for future research and development of peer- and relationship-focused prevention and intervention approaches.