AbstractsPsychology

The adolescence period is a time of high risk for health and social problems such as substance use globally and in South Africa. Past research has shown that there is a need to investigate factors such as peer pressure, leisure boredom and substance use as they pose a threat to the social, psychological and physical wellbeing of adolescents in general. Thus, the overall aim of the study is to determine whether peer pressure and leisure boredom influence substance use among adolescents in low-income communities in Cape Town. Accordingly, the current study is guided by the theoretical framework of Jessor’s problem-behaviour theory. This exploratory study employed a correlational research design. The measurement tools included the Drug Use Disorders Identification Test, the Resistance to Peer Influence measure and the Leisure Boredom Scale. Non-probability sampling was used to select 296 adolescents between the ages 16 – 18 years from schools located in two low-income communities. Data analysis techniques included descriptive statistics, t-test, linear regression and multiple regression. Linear regression revealed that leisure boredom is not a significant predictor of substance use whereas peer pressure is a significant predictor of substance use. Multiple regression showed that the combined influence of peer pressure and leisure boredom predicted substance use, while peer pressure emerged as a stronger predictor than leisure boredom of substance use among adolescents. Gender did not moderate the relationship between peer pressure, leisure boredom and substance use among adolescents