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Brief report: Peer group influences and adolescent internalizing problems as mediated by effortful control
Rachel Dyson1, Gail C Robertson1, Maria M Wong1
1Idaho State University, 921 S. 8th Avenue Stop 8112, Pocatello, ID 83201, USA.
Journal of Adolescence
|April 12, 2015
Summary
Adolescent internalizing problems are influenced by peer behaviors. Effortful control (a self-regulation skill) mediates the link between prosocial peers and fewer internalizing issues.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Adolescent Health
Background:
- Internalizing problems in adolescents involve inward-directed behaviors.
- Peer influences, both antisocial and prosocial, are linked to internalizing problems.
- Effortful control, a key aspect of self-regulation, may mediate these peer-individual outcome relationships.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the interplay between peer behaviors (antisocial and prosocial), effortful control, and adolescent internalizing problems.
- To determine if effortful control mediates the association between peer behaviors and internalizing symptoms.
Main Methods:
- 151 middle school adolescents (mean age 12.16) completed self-report measures.
- Assessed peer behaviors, perceived effortful control, and internalizing problem experiences.
- Structural equation modeling (SEM) was utilized for data analysis.
Main Results:
- A significant negative association was found between antisocial peers and effortful control.
- A significant positive association emerged between prosocial peers and effortful control.
- Effortful control significantly mediated the relationship between prosocial peers and internalizing problems, but not antisocial peers.
Conclusions:
- Effortful control plays a mediating role in how prosocial peer behaviors relate to adolescent internalizing problems.
- Findings suggest potential intervention targets for adolescent mental health, focusing on enhancing effortful control and promoting positive peer interactions.
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