NCJ Number
217786
Journal
Journal of Early Adolescence Volume: 26 Issue: 3 Dated: August 2006 Pages: 272-295
Date Published
August 2006
Length
24 pages
Annotation
This longitudinal study examined bidirectional relations between parenting and friends’ deviance, on the one hand, and early adolescent externalizing and internalizing problem behavior, on the other hand.
Abstract
Results of the study showed that both externalizing and internalizing problem behaviors exerted an affect on parenting, but not visa versa. In addition, deviant friends have an effect on externalizing problem behavior of the adolescent over time, even after the selection effects have been controlled for. The results reinforce the need for further inquiry into the specific processes through which parenting and friends’ deviance, on the one hand, and adolescent problem behavior, on the other hand, influence each other over time. Numerous studies have demonstrated associations between maladaptive parenting and different types of problem behavior during adolescence, including antisocial behavior. The associations have usually been interpreted as parents’ influence. However, studies on parent and peer effects show some shortcomings. This study sought to overcome these shortcomings by examining bidirectional effects between parenting and deviant behavior, on the one hand, and early adolescent problem behavior, on the other hand. In addition, both externalizing and internalizing problem behavior was examined, controlling for selection effects within friendships. Lastly, the study used friends’ self-reports about their own behavior instead of adolescent reports about their friends’ behavior. Figures, references