An Examination of the Relationship between Peer Relationships, Attachment Styles, and Alcohol and Cigarette Use in Adolescents: Sample of Famagusta

Abstract

Experimenting with and using addictive substances such as alcohol and cigarettes corresponds to the adolescence period and can negatively affect the adolescent's life in many ways. In order to help prevent these undesired harmful habits before they starts, risk factors need to be determined. This study examined the relationship between peer relationships and attachment styles as well as alcohol and cigarette use in adolescents. The sample of the research consists of 446 high grade students attending the 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grades of high school, 242 of whom are female and 204 of whom are male. Information was collected from the participants using the Personal Information Form, Peer Relations Scale and Attachment Styles Scale as data collection tools. In the study, the relational screening model was used to examine the relationship between relevant variables. According to the results of the analysis, the alcohol use level of the students attending the 10th and 11th grades was higher than that of the students attending the 9th and 12th grades and the level of alcohol use of students with high family income was found to be also higher. Yet, their peer relationship levels were found to vary depending on their alcohol use status and it has been observed that students who use alcohol have higher levels of togetherness, closeness, protection and help than those who do not use alcohol. Secure attachment level, which is one of the sub-dimensions of attachment styles, significantly negatively predicts cigarette and alcohol use and reduces these uses. In summary, it has been found that the use of addictive substances such as alcohol and cigarettes is mostly associated with adolescence. In this context, it is recommended that such studies be repeated with larger and more comprehensive samples, that programs be developed to prevent the problem before it starts, and that cooperation between schools and stakeholders be increased.