Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 17, 2026

A Modified Trier Social Stress Test for Vulnerable Mexican American Adolescents
Published on: July 10, 2017
Xenophobia and tolerance toward immigrants in adolescence: cross-influence processes within friendships
Maarten Herman Walter van Zalk1, Margaret Kerr, Magraret Kerr
1Center for Developmental Research, Örebro University, Fakultetsgatan 21, 70183 Örebro, Sweden. Maarten.vanzalk@oru.se
Abstract:
To what extent do adolescents and their friends socialize each others' attitudes toward immigrants? Can friends' positive attitudes toward immigrants counter adolescents' negative attitudes toward immigrants, and do friends' negative attitudes decrease adolescents' positive attitudes? These questions were examined by following a large (N = 1,472) friendship network of adolescents (49.2 % girls; M(age) = 13.31 at first measurement) across three annual measurements. Selection and influence processes regarding tolerance and xenophobia were distinguished with longitudinal social network analyses, controlling for effects of age, gender, and immigrant background. Findings showed that friends' tolerance predicted increases in adolescents' tolerance and friends' xenophobia predicted increases in adolescents' xenophobia. Moreover, friends' tolerance predicted a lower likelihood of adolescents' xenophobia increasing. The current results suggest that interventions should distinguish between tolerance and xenophobia, as these appear to represent two separate dimensions that are each influenced in specific ways by friends' tolerance and xenophobia.
Related Concept Videos
Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture
Friendships and Close Friendships
Influence of Parents and Peers on Identity
Parental Influence on Identity Development
Parents serve as primary guides and managers in an adolescent's life, offering support instrumental in decision-making and personal growth. This guiding role...
Cognitive Development During Adolescence
Relationship Formation
In- and Out-Groups
