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Early adolescent peer orientation and adjustment during high school
A J Fuligni1, J S Eccles, B L Barber
1Department of Psychology, New York University, New York 10003, USA. fuligni@psych.nyu.edu
Developmental Psychology
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Early adolescents prioritizing peers over parents and school may face higher problem behaviors and lower academic achievement. This is linked to involvement with deviant peer groups, impacting long-term adjustment.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Adolescent Psychology
Background:
- Peer relationships significantly influence adolescent development.
- Understanding the long-term impact of early adolescent peer orientation is crucial for effective intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the long-term consequences of early adolescents' peer orientation on their high school adjustment.
- To investigate the mediating role of deviant peer group involvement in this relationship.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study involving approximately 1,200 adolescents.
- Data collected via questionnaires in 7th and 10th/12th grades, supplemented by school academic records.
Main Results:
- Adolescents prioritizing peers over talents, academics, and parental rules showed increased problem behavior and lower academic achievement.
- Involvement in deviant peer groups mediated the negative adjustment outcomes.
- Seeking peer advice over parental advice had minimal long-term implications.
Conclusions:
- Extreme peer orientation in early adolescence, particularly when involving defiance of rules and academics, predicts poorer high school adjustment.
- Deviant peer group affiliation is a key factor linking this orientation to negative outcomes.
- Future research should consider peer dependence alongside supportive friendships in adolescent development.