Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 17, 2026

Author Spotlight: Understanding Adolescent Social Adversity Effects on Neurodevelopment in Mice
Published on: March 15, 2024
Adolescent controversial status brokers: A double-edged sword
Sarah Borowski1, Janice Zeman2, Inga Carboni3
1Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri.
Abstract:
Using a 3-wave longitudinal, multidimensional approach, this study investigated the influence of social network position and social status on the psychosocial outcomes of 440 youth (45.1% girls; Mage = 16.1 years; 90.9% Caucasian) over 26 months, focusing on the controversial status classification (i.e., youth who are highly liked and disliked by their peers). Brokerage (i.e., the degree to which a person has relationships with peers who do not have a direct relationship with each other) was examined in conjunction with sociometric status to explain potential heterogeneity of outcomes for controversial status youth. Adolescents completed peer nominations and self-reports of adjustment. Results demonstrated that brokerage was related to poorer psychosocial outcomes for controversial compared to average status youth. Brokerage appears to add predictive value to youths' adjustment beyond traditional sociometric classifications, especially for controversial status youth. (PsycINFO Database Record
Related Concept Videos
Erikson's Theory on Socioemotional Development during Adolescence
Emerging Adulthood
Marcia's Theory of Identity Status
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....
Revisionist Views of Adolescent and Adult Cognition
Adler's Individual Psychology

