2-016 - Socialization of Emotion within the Best Friend Social Context in Early Adolescence

Session Type: Paper Symposium

Integrative Statement

Research has demonstrated the presence of socialization effects between friends that emphasize the influential nature of friendships (Prinstein, 2007), yet have neglected to study the socialization of emotion within close friendships. The peer context is an important source of feedback on emotion management as adolescents spend increasing amounts of time with peers. To begin to address this gap, this symposium will present data that examine the socialization of emotion within middle school youths’ close friendships using a variety of methods.
The first study presents data on how three emotional competencies are related to co-rumination within reciprocated best friend dyads. Co-rumination only occurs when only one dyad member dysregulates sadness, whereas high levels of sadness coping is associated with lower co-rumination. High levels of emotional awareness by both members are associated with increased co-rumination. The second presentation examines the linkages between peer socialization of anger and sadness and psychological outcomes (emotional stress, behavior problems, peer difficulties). Girls’ perceptions of their friends’ magnification and punishment responses to their anger and sadness displays were related to increased emotional problems. The third study examines factors influencing emotion talk among best friends within a problem discussion and its relations to anxiety. For youth who responded supportively during the discussion, their friends were more likely to subsequently use more emotion words. Youth who had difficulties with emotional awareness and worry dysregulation reported more anxiety. We conclude with a discussion led by the discussant who is an expert in the field of peer emotion socialization.

Sub Unit

• Social, Emotional, Personality

Chair

• Janice L Zeman, College of William and Mary

Discussant

• Bonnie Klimes-Dougan, University of Minnesota

Individual Presentations

• Emotional Competence and Co-rumination within Early Adolescent Friendships: Implications for Emotion Socialization - Presenting Author: Sarah Borowski, University of Missouri; Janice L Zeman, College of William and Mary

• Peer Emotion Socialization and Emotional Distress in Middle School Children: Differences by Child Gender - Presenting Author: Rachel Lynn Miller, Virginia Tech; Bryce Riley, Virginia Tech; Julie C Dunsmore, Virginia Tech

• Emotion Talk, Friendship, and Anxiety among Early Adolescents - Presenting Author: John-Paul Legerski, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks; Bridget Kathleen Biggs, No Institutional Affiliation; Andrea Follmer Greenhoot, Univ of Kansas