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Differences in the relations between antisocial behavior and peer acceptance across contexts and across adolescence
Jeff Kiesner1, Massimiliano Pastore
1Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università di Padova, Italy. jeff.kiesner@unipd.it
Child Development
|November 9, 2005
Summary
Antisocial behavior shifts from negative to positive peer acceptance during adolescence. By 8th grade, antisocial teens gain acceptance from peers, mainly other antisocial individuals.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Adolescent Social Dynamics
- Peer Relations Research
Background:
- Adolescence is a critical period for social development.
- Understanding peer acceptance dynamics is crucial for adolescent well-being.
- Previous research has not fully explored the evolving relationship between antisocial behavior and peer acceptance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis that antisocial behavior becomes positively associated with peer acceptance during adolescence.
- To examine this association in both classroom and out-of-class peer contexts.
- To identify how peer acceptance for antisocial behavior changes from early to late adolescence.
Main Methods:
- Utilized cross-sectional data from 577 Italian adolescents (11-13 years old).
- Analyzed peer nominations for acceptance and inclusion.
- Compared relationships between antisocial behavior and peer preference across 6th and 8th grades.
Main Results:
- In 6th grade, antisocial behavior negatively correlated with classroom peer preference.
- By 8th grade, antisocial behavior positively correlated with out-of-class peer inclusion.
- This shift was consistent for both males and females.
- 8th-grade antisocial individuals' acceptance was mainly from other antisocial peers.
Conclusions:
- Antisocial behavior's association with peer acceptance changes during adolescence.
- Peer acceptance for antisocial behavior emerges in out-of-class settings by late adolescence.
- Homophily among antisocial peers drives this shift in acceptance.
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