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Positive and Negative Peer Influence in Residential Care
Jonathan C Huefner1, Gail L Smith2, Amy L Stevens2
1Boys Town National Research Institute, St., Boys Town, Crawford, NE, 14100, USA. jonathan.huefner@boystown.org.
Positive peer influence in residential care settings can improve youth behavior, while negative influence exacerbates problems. Caregiver experience mitigates negative peer effects, highlighting the need for supportive environments.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Child Development
Background:
- Negative peer influence is a known factor affecting youth behavior.
- Research is increasingly exploring the impact of positive peer influence.
- Limited research exists on concurrent positive and negative peer influence in residential care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the impact of positive and negative peer influence on serious problem behaviors in residential care youth.
- To investigate the interplay between peer influence and caregiver experience.
- To understand how these factors affect behavioral patterns over time.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of clinical records for 886 residential care youth.
- Utilized Hierarchical Linear Model (HLM) to analyze longitudinal data.
- Defined positive peer influence as months with no serious problem behaviors and negative peer influence as months with above-average serious behavior problems.
Main Results:
- Positive peer influence occurred 47.7% of the time, while negative peer influence occurred 13.7%.
- Youth exhibited lower serious problem behavior during positive peer influence and higher rates during negative peer influence.
- Negative peer influence had a greater impact than positive peer influence; caregiver experience buffered negative influence.
Conclusions:
- Residential programs should foster positive peer environments and mitigate negative peer influence.
- Caregiver experience is crucial in managing negative peer influence effects.
- Interventions should consider peer dynamics and caregiver support for troubled youth.
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