Unpacking the misfit effect: Exploring the influence of gender and social norms on the association between aggression and peer victimization

2021 ◽  
pp. 016502542199286
Author(s):  
Ellyn Charlotte Bass ◽  
Lina Maria Saldarriaga ◽  
Ana Maria Velasquez ◽  
Jonathan B. Santo ◽  
William M. Bukowski

Social norms are vital for the functioning of adolescent peer groups; they can protect the well-being of groups and individual members, often by deterring harmful behaviors, such as aggression, through enforcement mechanisms like peer victimization; in adolescent peer groups, those who violate aggression norms are often subject to victimization. However, adolescents are nested within several levels of peer group contexts, ranging from small proximal groups, to larger distal groups, and social norms operate within each. This study assessed whether there are differences in the enforcement of aggression norms at different levels. Self-report and peer-nomination data were collected four times over the course of a school year from 1,454 early adolescents ( M age = 10.27; 53.9% boys) from Bogota, Colombia. Multilevel modeling provided support for social regulation of both physical aggression and relational aggression via peer victimization, as a function of gender, grade-level, proximal (friend) or distal (class) injunctive norms of aggression (perceptions of group-level attitudes), and descriptive norms of aggression. Overall, violation of proximal norms appears to be more powerfully enforced by adolescent peer groups. The findings are framed within an ecological systems theory of adolescent peer relationships.

2016 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 132-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ellyn Charlotte Bass ◽  
Lina Saldarriaga ◽  
Josafa Cunha ◽  
Bin-Bin Chen ◽  
Jonathan Bruce Santo ◽  
...  

To better address the many consequences of peer victimization, research must identify not only aspects of individuals that put them at risk for victimization, such as aggression, but also aspects of the context that influence the extent of that risk. To this end, this study examined the contextual influences of gender, same-sex peer group norms of physical and relational aggression, and nationality on the associations of physical and relational aggression with peer victimization in early adolescents from Canada, China, Brazil, and Colombia ( N = 865; Mage = 11.01, SD = 1.24; 55% boys). Structural equation modeling was used to test for measurement invariance of the latent constructs. Multilevel modeling revealed that both forms of aggression were positive predictors of peer victimization, but physical aggression was a stronger predictor for girls than boys. Cross-national differences emerged in levels of peer victimization, such that levels were highest in Brazil and lowest in Colombia. Cross-national differences were also evidenced in the relationship between relational aggression and victimization: the relationship was positive in China, Brazil, and Canada (listed in descending order of magnitude), but negative in Colombia. Above and beyond the cross-national differences, physical aggression was a stronger predictor of victimization in peer groups low in physical aggression, and relational aggression was a stronger predictor in peer groups low in relational aggression. Ultimately, this research is intended to contribute to a better theoretical understanding of risk factors for peer victimization and the development of more effective and culturally-appropriate prevention and intervention efforts.


Behaviour ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 133 (9-10) ◽  
pp. 717-739 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan A.R.A.M. van HOOFF ◽  
Herman Dienske ◽  
Warner Jens ◽  
René P. Spijkerman

AbstractThis paper provides a detailed comparison of play characteristics of chimpanzees raised in peer-only groups and in a socially complex semi-natural zoo situation. We expected play in peer groups to be of a lesser quality, that is less variable, interactive and skillful. To test this we quantified details such as the diversity of social play types, the bout length, the way social play is started, maintained and stopped and the use of play signals. The differences in play-type frequencies between the groups are most likely caused by differences in housing conditions and demographics; the smaller sex difference in peer group adolescents is most likely due to a limited partner choice. We found no indication that chimpanzees raised in peer groups played less diversely than those in the zoo. The social play characteristics of peer group and zoo chimpanzees are similar, except for the frequency of gnaws before wrestle and the frequency of play-faces within wrestle. Overall, there are no results from which we can conclude directly that chimpanzees isolated from their mother at an early stage and placed in a peer group are less capable in social play, although possibly it is more clear to the zoo individuals that a next interaction will be 'play'; zoo individuals may need less regular removal of ambiguity about the intention of the behaviour. The few differences between peer group and zoo in their social play characteristics that can be related to peer group rearing conditions indicate that the social development in those chimpanzees raised in peer groups is similar to that of chimpanzees in the semi-natural zoo. This is not to say that providing more natural conditions than is usually done in laboratories is unnecessary. These may still add considerably to the animals' well-being and in terms of animal welfare, it can be concluded that a variety of partners in the housing condition is beneficial to speed of sex-role development in young chimpanzees.


2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
I Gusti Agung Tri Santiari ◽  
David Hizkia Tobing

Self concept is a reflection of the judgement of others (Charles Cooley, in Watson, Borlall-Tregerthan, & Frank, 1984). The formation of individual self concept is influenced by several factors, one of which is peers in adolescence is a very important figure for indiciduals. Not all teens get through phase of adolescence his parents. There are some situations that cause adolescent should live apart from their parents, by staying at the orphanage institution for example. This different conditions will certainly affect the processes occurring friendship with the adolescent peer groups which will certainly affect the formation of self concept. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between peer group acceptance of the self concept in adolescents orphanage in the District Badung, Bali.Subjects in this study were 170 adolescents (girls=101, boys=69) who lived in the orphanage which is in the District Badung-Bali. The instrument of this research are self concept and peer group acceptance scale. Self concept scale consisted of 30 item with a reliability coefficient of 0,875. Peer group acceptance scale consisted of 21 item with a reliability coefficient of 0,873.Product moment correlation analysis result showed the correlation of 0,719 with a significance level of 0,000 (p<0,05), which means that there is a significant and positive relationship between peer group acceptance and self concept in adolescents orphanage in the District Badung, Bali. The higher the intensity of the peer group acceptance, the more positive self concept in adolescents orphanage in the District Badung, Bali.Keywords : Self Concept, Peer Group Acceptance, Adolescenct, Orphanage.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marija Mitic ◽  
Kate A. Woodcock ◽  
Michaela Amering ◽  
Ina Krammer ◽  
Katharina A. M. Stiehl ◽  
...  

Supportive peer relationships (SPR) are crucial for mental and physical health. Early adolescence is an especially important period in which peer influence and school environment strongly shape psychological development and maturation of core social-emotional regulatory functions. Yet, there is no integrated evidence based model of SPR in this age group to inform future research and practice. The current meta-analysis synthetizes evidence from 364 studies into an integrated model of potential determinants of SPR in early adolescence. The model encompasses links with 93 variables referring to individual (identity, skills/strengths, affect/well-being, and behavior/health) and environmental (peer group, school, family, community, and internet/technology) potential influences on SPR based on cross-sectional correlational data. Findings suggest the central importance of identity and social–emotional skills in SPR. School environment stands out as a compelling setting for future prevention programs. Finally, we underscore an alarming gap of research on the influence of the virtual and online environment on youth's social realm given its unquestionable importance as a globally expanding social interaction setting. Hence, we propose an integrated model that can serve as organizational framework, which may ultimately lead to the adoption of a more structured and integrated approach to understanding peer relationship processes in youth and contribute to overcoming marked fragmentation in the field.


2014 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 279-288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne K. Reitz ◽  
Julia Zimmermann ◽  
Roos Hutteman ◽  
Jule Specht ◽  
Franz J. Neyer

Peers are a pervasive aspect of people's lives, but their role in personality development has rarely been considered. This is surprising, given that peers are promising candidates to explain personality development over the entire lifespan. Owing to the lack of clear–cut definitions of peers, we first elaborate on their defining criteria and functions in different life phases. We then discuss the role of peers in personality development across the lifespan. We advocate that an integration of social group perspectives and social relationship perspectives is essential to understand peer effects on personality development. Group socialization theory is particularly suited to explain developmental differences between groups as a result of group norms. However, it is blind towards differences in development within peer groups. In contrast, the PERSOC framework is particularly suited to explain individual differences in development within groups as a result of specific dyadic peer–relationship experiences. We propose that a conjunct consideration of peer–group effects and dyadic peer–relationship effects can advance the general understanding of personality development. We discuss examples for a cross–fertilization of the two frameworks that suggest avenues for future research. Copyright © 2014 European Association of Personality Psychology


Psico ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 29275 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hellen Tsuruda Amaral ◽  
Josafá Moreira da Cunha ◽  
Jonathan Bruce Santo

According to the Authoritative School Climate theory, a school environment perceived with high levels of support and disciplinary structure can be a protective factor against violence. Therefore, the current study aimed to understand how support and disciplinary structure affected peer victimization among Brazilian students. Participants were 420 students from Brazil, between 7 and 14 years old (mean=10.02; S.D. = .91); 51.5% of the participants were boys. Measures were obtained from a self-report questionnaire with measures of victimization, authoritative school climate and sociodemographic data. Using multilevel modeling between individual and same-sex peer group analyses, 89.86% of the victimization variability was at the individual level. Results indicated a negative association between the student’s perception of support and reports of victimization, but no gender differences as predictors of victimization. Younger students who reported lowers perceptions of support also could be more victimized. *** Clima escolar autoritativo e vitimização entre pares em estudantes brasileiros ***De acordo com a teoria do Clima Escolar Autoritativo, ambientes escolares percebidos com altos níveis de suporte e estrutura disciplinar podem ser protetores contra a violência. Portanto, o objetivo desse estudo foi entender como o suporte e a estrutura disciplinar afetaram o relato da vitimização entre pares. Os participantes foram 420 estudantes, entre 7 e 14 anos (média=10,02; d.p.=0,91); 51,5% dos participantes eram meninos. As medidas foram obtidas a partir de questionário de autorrelato sobre vitimização, clima escolar autoritativo e dados sociodemográficos. Usando o modelo multinível, 89,86% da variação da vitimização foi no nível individual. Os resultados indicaram uma associação negativa entre a percepção de suporte pelo aluno e os relatos de vitimização, mas não foram encontradas diferenças entre gêneros como preditores de vitimização. Os alunos mais jovens, que relataram menor percepção de suporte, também apresentaram tendência maior para a vitimização.Palavras-chave: vitimização entre pares, clima escolar autoritativo, bullying.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (6) ◽  
pp. 828-856
Author(s):  
Joy Huanhuan Wang ◽  
Sarah M. Kiefer ◽  
Nicholas David W. Smith ◽  
Liang Huang ◽  
Hannah L. Gilfix ◽  
...  

This study examined associations of best friend and peer group aggressive characteristics with students’ overt and relational aggression, and whether coolness moderated these associations across the fall and spring of the first year in middle school. Students ( N = 174; 57% females) self-reported best friendship and peer group members, as well as peer-nominated coolness and aggression (overt, relational). Results indicated positive relations of best friend and peer group aggressive characteristics with subsequent aggression, and that coolness moderated these associations. Specifically, non-cool youth had higher levels of subsequent overt and relational aggression with aggressive best friends, but lower levels of later relational aggression when in relationally aggressive peer groups. In contrast, cool youth had lower levels of subsequent relational aggression with relationally aggressive best friends, but higher levels of later relational aggression when in relationally aggressive peer groups. Implications for examining multiple peer contexts and coolness during early adolescence are discussed.


2016 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Bruce Santo ◽  
Ellyn Charlotte Bass ◽  
Luz Stella-Lopez ◽  
William M. Bukowski

Previous studies have demonstrated that several contextual factors influence the relationship between aggression and peer victimization in early adolescence, including gender of the same-sex peer group and gender composition of the school. The current study replicated and expanded on this research by examining the moderating influences of gender of the same-sex peer group, same-sex peer group norms, and classroom gender composition in a sample of early adolescents from Barranquilla, Colombia. Multilevel modeling analyses indicated that both relational and physical aggression were positive predictors of peer victimization. Relationally aggressive girls were at a lower risk for victimization while physically aggressive girls were at a higher risk. Relational aggression was a weaker predictor in classes with a larger proportion of girls. Additionally, relational aggression was a weaker predictor in same-sex peer groups with a greater prevalence of relational aggression. These findings provide further evidence of multiple forms of contextual influence on social behavior. Practical implications for these findings are also provided.


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