Identity and health-risk behaviour in adolescence (2006)

Adolescence is a critical period with respect to the onset of a range of health-risk behaviours. At the same time, adolescence is a crucial period for identity development. This thesis addresses the relationship between the two by examining the role of identity as a social psychological determinant of adolescents’ engagement in risk behaviours such as smoking, marijuauna use, and (excessive) alcohol consumption. Special attention is given to adolescents’ social or group identity derived from affiliation with specific peer groups. The thesis is made up of six chapters; an introduction (chapter 1), four empirical studies (chapter 2-5), and a general discussion (chapter 6).