Peer Social Structure and Risk-Taking Behaviors among African American Early Adolescents

Journal Article (Journal Article)

This study investigated associations between peer status, peer group social influences, and risk-taking behaviors in an urban sample of 647 African American seventh-grade students. The highest rates of problem behaviors were seen in the controversial peer status group, or those youth who were both highly liked and highly disliked by other youth. Findings also revealed contrasting patterns of peer group leadership. The more conventional, positive leadership style predicted lower rates, and the less mainstream, unconventional style predicted higher rates of involvement in problem behaviors. Conventional leaders were most likely to be popular status youth, while unconventional leaders were mostly to be both controversial and popular status youth. Controversial status youth were also more likely to be involved in deviant peer groups. Results highlight the importance of controversial status students as key influence agents during early adolescence. We discuss the implications of these results for preventive interventions to reduce adolescent problem behaviors.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Miller-Johnson, S; Costanzo, PR; Coie, JD; Rose, MR; Browne, DC; Johnson, C

Published Date

  • October 1, 2003

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 32 / 5

Start / End Page

  • 375 - 384

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0047-2891

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1023/A:1024926132419

Citation Source

  • Scopus