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Direct and Indirect Links between Peer Factors and Adolescent Adjustment Difficulties
Michael M Criss1, Benjamin J Houltberg2, Lixian Cui3
1Oklahoma State University.
Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology
|February 20, 2016
Summary
Peer emotion regulation and co-rumination influence adolescent adjustment, impacting depressive symptoms and antisocial behavior. Peer antisocial behavior also directly affects these outcomes in youth.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Peer relationships are crucial during adolescence.
- Understanding how peer interactions influence adolescent adjustment is vital.
- Emotion regulation plays a significant role in social development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of emotion regulation in connecting peer factors with adolescent adjustment difficulties.
- To examine the influence of peer antisocial behavior, peer co-rumination, and peer emotion regulation on adolescent outcomes.
- To assess the direct and indirect relationships between peer factors and youth's antisocial behavior and depressive symptoms.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 206 adolescents (ages 10-18) and their parents participated.
- Peer factors (antisocial behavior, co-rumination, emotion regulation) and youth depressive symptoms were reported by youth.
- Youth emotion regulation and antisocial behavior were assessed using both parent and youth ratings.
Main Results:
- Peer antisocial behavior directly correlated with youth's antisocial behavior and depressive symptoms.
- Peer emotion regulation indirectly influenced adolescent outcomes, with no direct link found.
- Peer co-rumination showed indirect links to youth antisocial behavior and both direct and indirect links to depressive symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Peer relationships serve as important socialization contexts for adolescents.
- Emotion regulation strategies within peer groups significantly impact adolescent adjustment.
- Interventions targeting peer interactions may improve adolescent mental health and behavior.
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