Adolescents characterized by high levels of communion place a high value on being close to their peers for fear of rejection, and may be motivated to endorse attitudes and behaviors similar to their peers as a means of achieving closeness and cohesion. Indeed, prior research suggests that peer influence to use substances is strongest when an individual values bonding to their peers or being a member of the group (Baumrind & Moselle, 1985; Kiesner, Cadinu, Poulin, & Bucci, 2002). Accordingly, the impact of peer approval/use of substances on intentions to drink or smoke may be particularly strong for communal adolescents. In contrast, adolescents low on communal goals value appearing aloof and detached, and may place a low value on being a member of the group, making them less susceptible to peer approval/use of substances.
