The Moderating Role of Emotional Intelligence in the Relation Between Peer Victimization and Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Use

Abstract

This study describes the consequences as well as risk and protective factors associated with adolescent use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD) and exposure to peer victimization. Peer victimization has been shown to be a risk factor for ATOD use and it may be important to identify factors that attenuate this relationship in order to pursue and develop preventive interventions. High emotional intelligence (EI) has been found to be associated with lower ATOD use, but the research evidence is mixed. High EI may neutralize the effects of exposure to peer victimization and act as a protective factor against increased ATOD use. Results from this cross-sectional study of 376 middle school students (45% male) found that youth who were victimized were more likely to report ATOD use. Youth who were better at identifying and sharing their emotions were less likely to report ATOD use. Conversely, youth who were better at influencing and socializing with others were more likely to report ATOD use. EI was not found to be protective in the presence of peer victimization. Results are discussed in the context of prevention related to increasing EI and reducing ATOD use.