Predicting Friendship and Advice-Seeking Behaviors of Military Connected Adolescents: A Social Network Analysis

• In Event: Hilton Roundtable Session 6
  In Roundtable Session: Practical Applications of Mixed-Method and Multimethod Research

Abstract

Military connected adolescents (MCAs) are a vulnerable population due to the unique difficulties they experience (De Pedro, Astor, Benbenishty, Estrada, Smith, & Esqueda, 2011; Exum, Coll, & Weiss, 2011; Park, 2011), however friendship and advice networks at school may alleviate some challenges (O’Brien, 2007). In this mixed methods study, we combine interviews, focus groups, and social network analysis to better understand how friendship and advice-seeking networks form in a school located in Southern California. Results show small to medium correlation between friendship and advice networks. Additionally, reciprocity, triangles, and deployment homophily are positive predictors of tie formation while military affiliation homophily and school mobility homophily are not. We discuss implications for schools in fostering connections between and within groups.

Authors

• Geoffrey West, Dartmouth College

• Alison Michelle Black, University of California - San Diego