Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 5, 2025

Experimental Paradigm for Measuring the Effects of Self-distancing in Young Children
Published on: March 1, 2019
Socio-Cognitive Processes and Peer-Network Influences in Defending and Bystanding
J Ashwin Rambaran1,2, Tiziana Pozzoli3, Gianluca Gini3
1Interdisciplinary Social Science (ISS) and European Research Centre on Migration and Ethnic Relations (Ercomer), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands. j.a.rambaran@uu.nl.
Abstract:
Peers are critical to defending and bystanding during episodes of bullying. This study investigates the extent to which friends can shape defending and bystanding as well as social cognitions associated with these two behaviors (i.e., perceptions of self-efficacy and moral distress). The study sample consisted of n = 1354 early and middle adolescents (7th‒10th grade; 81.4% Italian; 51.3% boys) in northern Italy. Employing a longitudinal social network analytic approach, using stochastic actor-oriented modeling, this study found that adolescents become more similar or stay similar to their friends in both behaviors and perceptions, with no clear indication that students select friends based on similar levels of behaviors or perceptions. The findings illustrate how defending and bystanding behaviors and related social cognitions are developed within friend (peer) networks.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Social Cognitive Perspective on Personality
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
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....
Social Proof
Cognitive Development During Adolescence
Self-Presentation: Self-Monitoring and Self-Handicapping

