Peers, networks or relationships: Strategies for understanding social dynamics as determinants of smoking behaviour

Location within social networks is said to be a major determinant of risk-taking behaviour among adolescents. This paper examines some of the techniques that can be used, with regard to the specific risk behaviour of smoking. We draw on previous research done in the USA and Scotland using the Negopy software package to examine social networks of adolescents. From this we argue that the different techniques currently used make comparisons of smoking among adolescents problematic and that social network analysis should involve other research techniques to uncover issues which are not illuminated by using a software package alone. These techniques should include the production of sociograms, the use of cluster analysis and the use of qualitative data gained from in-depth interviews or focus group discussions. If health promotion programmes aimed at reducing smoking initiation in adolescents are to be effective, a better understanding of social networks is essential.