Influence of Early Adolescents' Best Friendships, Peer Groups, and Coolness on Overt and Relational Aggression

• In Event: 79.018 - The Role of Peers and Social Networks in Human Development

Abstract

This study extends research examining peer influence on aggression during early adolescence by investigating the influences of multiple peer contexts and social status as a moderator. This study examined the influence of best friendships and peer groups simultaneously on within-year changes in aggression (overt, relational) and whether coolness moderated these associations during sixth grade. Students (N=174, 49% females) nominated peer relationships (best friend, peer group), as well as peer-reported coolness and aggression (overt, relational). Hierarchical regression analyses indicated unique influences of best friend and peer group on changes in aggression, and associations were moderated by coolness across the sixth grade. Findings highlight the importance of attuning to multiple peer influences and may inform ways to reduce aggression in middle school.

Authors

• Sarah M. Kiefer, University of South Florida

• Joy Wang, Texas Tech University

• Nicholas Smith, University of South Florida - Tampa

• Erin Brennan, University of South Florida - Tampa

• Hannah Gilfix, University of South Florida - Tampa