Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 7, 2026
09:16
Use of a Video Scoring Anchor for Rapid Serial Assessment of Social Communication in Toddlers
Published on: March 14, 2018
10.8K
Reciprocal Associations between Delinquent Behavior and Social Network Position during Middle School
Naomi C Z Andrews1, Laura D Hanish2, Carlos E Santos3
1T. Denny Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics, Arizona State University, Tempe, USA. naomi.andrews@mothercraft.org.
Journal of Youth and Adolescence
|February 25, 2017
Summary
Middle school delinquency and social standing influence each other reciprocally. Peer network position affects delinquency, while delinquency impacts social prestige, especially across school years.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Criminology
Background:
- Existing theories on delinquency and social standing often present unidirectional relationships.
- Prevailing models show contradictions regarding the directionality between delinquency and social standing.
- The social nature of delinquency requires further exploration of reciprocal associations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the reciprocal associations between delinquency and social standing in middle school students.
- To investigate the roles of social network prestige and centrality in this relationship.
- To assess potential gender differences in these associations.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of ethnically diverse middle school students (N=516) over one year (three waves).
- Assessed self-reported delinquent behavior and peer-nominated friendships.
- Calculated social network prestige and centrality using friendship nominations.
Main Results:
- Social network prestige and centrality predicted increases in delinquency across school years, but not within a school year.
- Delinquency predicted increases in social network prestige across school years, but not social network centrality.
- Gender similarities were observed in the associations.
Conclusions:
- Findings support reciprocal relationships between delinquency and social standing, challenging unidirectional theories.
- Social network position influences delinquency, and delinquency affects social prestige over time.
- Distinctions between changes within and across school years are crucial for understanding delinquency dynamics.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Conduct Disorder
733
Conduct disorder is a complex mental health diagnosis characterized by a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior that violates societal norms, the rights of others, or age-appropriate rules. The diagnostic criteria for conduct disorder require the presence of at least three problematic behaviors within the past 12 months, with at least one occurring in the past six months. These behaviors are grouped into four categories: aggression toward people and animals; destruction of property;...
733
02:04Bullying
8.9K
A modern form of aggression is bullying. As you learn in your study of child development, socializing and playing with other children is beneficial for children’s psychological development. However, as you may have experienced as a child, not all play behavior has positive outcomes. Some children are aggressive and want to play roughly. Other children are selfish and do not want to share toys. One form of negative social interactions among children that has become a national concern is...
8.9K
01:29Relationship with Other Adult Family Members and Siblings
216
Other adult family members and siblings play a crucial role in shaping children’s social and emotional development. While parents or primary caregivers are often the central figures in early attachment and socialization, other adults in a child’s life, such as grandparents, aunts, and uncles, can significantly influence developmental outcomes. These influences depend on each adult’s personality and may help compensate when a primary caregiver is emotionally distant or...
216
01:20Social Foundations of Self II: The Generalized Other
325
According to George Herbert Mead, as children progress beyond the game stage, they develop a more comprehensive understanding of societal rules and norms. This cognitive and social development enables them to internalize the expectations of the broader community, refining their ability to regulate behavior.Consistent participation in organized activities is crucial in helping children recognize that their actions are not isolated but contribute to a more significant, interconnected group...
325
01:23Influence of Parents and Peers on Identity
651
Adolescence is a pivotal period of identity formation, during which individuals begin to answer questions central to their sense of self, such as "Who am I?" and "Who do I hope to become?" Both parents and peers play critical roles in guiding adolescents through this complex developmental phase.
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....
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....
651
02:12Relationship Formation
46.3K
What do you think is the single most influential factor in determining with whom you become friends and whom you form romantic relationships? You might be surprised to learn that the answer is simple: the people with whom you have the most contact. This most important factor is proximity. You are more likely to be friends with people you have regular contact with. For example, there are decades of research that shows that you are more likely to become friends with people who live in your dorm,...
46.3K