RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PEER GROUP INFLUENCE, PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING AMONG ADDICTED ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

The present study aimed to examine the relationship between peer group influence, psychological distress, psychological well-being, and substance addiction among adolescents. Additionally, the study investigated the moderating role of psychological well-being in the relationship between peer group influence and substance addiction. A cross-sectional research design was employed, and data were collected from 200 male adolescents aged 15–19 years admitted to drug addiction treatment centres in District Haripur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Standardized measures assessing peer group influence, psychological distress, psychological well-being, and substance addiction were administered. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson product-moment correlation, and moderation analysis through PROCESS Macro (Model 1). The results indicated that peer group influence was significantly and positively associated with substance addiction (r = .45, p < .001) and psychological distress (r = .38, p < .001). Psychological distress was also positively related to substance addiction (r = .52, p < .001), whereas psychological well-being was negatively associated with substance addiction (r = -.41, p < .001). Moderation analysis revealed a significant interaction effect between peer group influence and psychological well-being on substance addiction (β = -.20, p < .001, ΔR² = .04), indicating that psychological well-being weakened the positive relationship between peer group influence and substance addiction. Overall, the final moderation model explained 39% of the variance in substance addiction (R² = .39, F = 31.45, p < .001). The study concludes that peer group influence and psychological distress are significant risk factors for substance addiction among adolescents, whereas psychological well-being serves as a protective factor. Furthermore, psychological well-being buffers the negative impact of peer influence on substance addiction. These findings emphasize the importance of promoting psychological well-being, resilience, and healthy peer relationships in prevention and intervention programs aimed at reducing substance addiction among adolescents.