Prospective analysis of peer and parent influences on minor aggression among early adolescents

Bruce G. Simons-Morton, Jessica L. Hartos, Denise L. Haynie

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

29 Scopus citations

Abstract

The research examined the influence of parent and school variables on minor aggression among early adolescents. Sixth-grade students (N = 1,081) were interviewed at the beginning of the school year (Time 1) about aggressive behaviors and selected psychosocial variables and at the end of the year (Time 2) about aggressive behaviors. Aggression increased over time and was greater for boys than girls at both time points. In path analyses, Time 1 aggression was directly associated with Time 2 aggression and indirectly associated through affiliation with Time 2 problem-behaving friends. School engagement was associated indirectly with Time 2 aggression through affiliation with problem-behaving friends. Parenting behavior was negatively and directly associated with Time 2 aggression and indirectly through Time 2 affiliation with problem-behaving friends. The findings indicated that selection and previous behavior predicted peer affiliation and parenting and school engagement protected against early adolescent aggression.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)22-33
Number of pages12
JournalHealth Education and Behavior
Volume31
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2004

Keywords

  • Aggression
  • Early adolescents
  • Parenting behavior
  • Peer influences
  • School
  • Youth

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