Which of the following best explains why drug abuse is more common among teens whose family members abuse drugs?

• A. Teens may model the behavior of family members, learning that drug use is acceptable or normal within their environment.
• B. Teens are genetically unable to resist peer pressure if their family members use drugs.
• C. Teens with family members who abuse drugs always have a higher intelligence, leading to curiosity about substances.
• D. Teens are required by law to use drugs if their family members do.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the psychological concept involved in the problem, which is related to how behavior is learned or influenced within a family context.
2. Recall the theory of observational learning or modeling, which suggests that individuals, especially children and teens, learn behaviors by watching and imitating others, particularly family members.
3. Consider why teens might be more likely to abuse drugs if family members do: they observe the behavior and perceive it as normal or acceptable, which increases the likelihood of imitation.
4. Evaluate the other options by checking their psychological validity: genetic inability to resist peer pressure is not a recognized concept; intelligence leading to curiosity about substances is unrelated to family modeling; and legal requirements to use drugs do not exist.
5. Conclude that the best explanation is that teens model the behavior of family members, learning that drug use is acceptable or normal within their environment.