Peter is 17 years old and has just been diagnosed with alcohol addiction - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 17 - 2021 - Paper 2

Peter's development is significantly influenced by his environment, particularly by the behaviors observed in his mother. From a young age, children often imitate the behaviors of their parents, and Peter has witnessed his mother consuming alcohol daily. This exposure may have normalized alcohol use for him, reinforcing the idea that it's an acceptable way to cope with emotions or socialize.

Additionally, according to social identity theory, Peter's desire to fit in with his group of friends who also consume alcohol likely encouraged his own drinking habits. This desire to conform to the norms of his peer group can lead to continued alcohol use as a means to establish and maintain social bonds.

Furthermore, classical conditioning plays a role in Peter's addiction. As he associates parties with alcohol consumption and feelings of increased confidence, this connection strengthens over time. Each time Peter drinks alcohol at parties and feels better socially, he reinforces the behavior, desiring to recreate that same effect in the future. The repeated reinforcement encourages him to seek alcohol whenever social situations arise, contributing to his growing dependency.