Northern Kentucky University

Peer Deviance as a Predictor of E-cigarette Use Pre and Post Pandemic

Grade Level at Time of Presentation

Junior

Major

Neuroscience

Minor

Psychology, Biology

KY House District #

4

KY Senate District #

11

Department

Department of Psychological Sciences

Abstract

There is growing concern regarding the use of e-cigarettes among younger demographics. Also known as vaping, e-cigarettes have been posited as a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes and have increased in popularity due to marketing, added flavors, and discreet delivery methods (Durkin et al., 2021; Hart et al., 2017). Research has shown dangerous and adverse outcomes of using e-cigarettes, including mood disorders, attention deficit, addiction, and lung injury (Durkin et al., 2021; Krishnasamy et al., 2020).

Peer group deviance is associated with risky external behaviors in young adults and youth (Durkin et al., 2021; Kendler et al., 2016). This research examined the relationship between the deviant behavior of peer groups and the use of e-cigarettes, or vaping, during the periods before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected from a group of young adults aged 18-27 (M=20.53, SD=1.96) over the course of September 2018 to November 2022, including self-report of e-cigarette use and completion of the Peer Group Deviance scale questionnaire. Results of a multiple regression analysis controlling for sex and age revealed peer group deviance as a significant predictor of vaping, including the use of e-cigarettes within the past 30 days, before the pandemic (β=.63, p=.009) but not post-pandemic (β=.53, p=0.218).

This difference in the significance of peer group deviance as a predictor could indicate the change in social activity and the influence of peers on young adults because of the pandemic. The relationship also warrants further research into the effects of peer behaviors on youth. A better understanding of how peers influence substance use behaviors could lead to early interventions and approaches to help offset behaviors with profound health implications, such as vaping.

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Peer Deviance as a Predictor of E-cigarette Use Pre and Post Pandemic

There is growing concern regarding the use of e-cigarettes among younger demographics. Also known as vaping, e-cigarettes have been posited as a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes and have increased in popularity due to marketing, added flavors, and discreet delivery methods (Durkin et al., 2021; Hart et al., 2017). Research has shown dangerous and adverse outcomes of using e-cigarettes, including mood disorders, attention deficit, addiction, and lung injury (Durkin et al., 2021; Krishnasamy et al., 2020).

Peer group deviance is associated with risky external behaviors in young adults and youth (Durkin et al., 2021; Kendler et al., 2016). This research examined the relationship between the deviant behavior of peer groups and the use of e-cigarettes, or vaping, during the periods before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected from a group of young adults aged 18-27 (M=20.53, SD=1.96) over the course of September 2018 to November 2022, including self-report of e-cigarette use and completion of the Peer Group Deviance scale questionnaire. Results of a multiple regression analysis controlling for sex and age revealed peer group deviance as a significant predictor of vaping, including the use of e-cigarettes within the past 30 days, before the pandemic (β=.63, p=.009) but not post-pandemic (β=.53, p=0.218).

This difference in the significance of peer group deviance as a predictor could indicate the change in social activity and the influence of peers on young adults because of the pandemic. The relationship also warrants further research into the effects of peer behaviors on youth. A better understanding of how peers influence substance use behaviors could lead to early interventions and approaches to help offset behaviors with profound health implications, such as vaping.