Relationship between Personality Traits, Peer Pressure and Substance Use among Early Adulthood

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to explore the relationship between personality traits, peer pressure and substance use among university students. The first hypothesis of the research was to investigate the relationship between personality traits, peer pressure and substance use among early adulthood. Second hypothesis was to predict the role of personality traits and peer pressure as predictors of substance use. Third hypothesis was to analyze the gender differences across the substance use .The correlational research design was used with a sample (N=287) of university students. Male students (n=156) and female students (n=131) with age range (19-27) were included. Participants were selected through convenient sampling techniques. All the selfreported BFI2S, PPSQ-r and Drug-Use Questionnaire measuring their variables. All the scales and subscales revealed satisfactory levels of reliability coefficients. The results revealed a significantly positive relationship between personality traits, peer pressure and substance use. The findings of this study revealed that peer pressure is positively significant with substance use. Moreover, some personality traits were found to be significant with substance use. Whereas, peer pressure was found to be a positive significant predictor of substance use. This research highlights the dominance of social dynamics over internal predispositions and importance of social interventions in prevention strategies.