Peer influences on adolescent cigarette smoking: A prospective sibling analysis

Peer influences are among the most powerful correlates of adolescent proble m behavior. Using a sibling sample and hierarchical linear modeling to cont rol for shared influences on behavior, the role was examined of nonshared p arent and peer influences as prospective predictors of adolescent cigarette smoking onset. These results were compared to results from a subsample of nonsiblings. Peer influences were significant predictors of smoking onset w hen shared influences were controlled, suggesting that peer group character istics operate, at least partially, as nonshared influences. Furthermore, n onshared peer influences were stronger in more educated families than in le ss educated families. Results highlight the potential utility of controllin g for shared influences, and support the importance of taking into account the broader social context.