Showing papers in "Journal of Early Adolescence in 2014"
TL;DR: It was concluded that the Internet represents a potent sociocultural force among preteenage girls and internalization mediated the effect of the Internet on body image concerns.
Abstract: The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between media exposure and body image concerns in preteenage girls, with a particular focus on the Internet. A sample of 189 girls (aged 10-12 years) completed questionnaire measures of media consumption and body image concerns. Nearly all girls (97.5%) had access to the Internet in their home. Time spent on-line was significantly related to internalization of the thin ideal (as was time reading magazines and watching television), body surveillance, reduced body esteem, and increased dieting. In accord with the sociocultural model, internalization mediated the effect of the Internet on body image concerns. Further, 14% of the girls had a MySpace profile and 43% had a Facebook profile. Time spent on these social networking sites produced stronger correlations with body image concern than did overall Internet exposure. It was concluded that the Internet represents a potent sociocultural force among preteenage girls.
191 citations
TL;DR: The authors investigated the relationship between media multitasking and executive function in 523 early adolescents (aged 11-15; 48% girls) using self-reports and standardized performance-based tasks (Digit Span, Eriksen Flankers, Dots-Triangles task).
Abstract: The increasing prevalence of media multitasking among adolescents is concerning because it may be negatively related to goal-directed behavior. This study investigated the relationship between media multitasking and executive function in 523 early adolescents (aged 11-15; 48% girls). The three central components of executive functions (i.e., working memory, shifting, and inhibition) were measured using self-reports and standardized performance-based tasks (Digit Span, Eriksen Flankers task, Dots-Triangles task). Findings show that adolescents who media multitask more frequently reported having more problems in the three domains of executive function in their everyday lives. Media multitasking was not related to the performance on the Digit Span and Dots-Triangles task. Adolescents who media multitasked more frequently tended to be better in ignoring irrelevant distractions in the Eriksen Flankers task. Overall, results suggest that media multitasking is negatively related to executive function in everyday life.
146 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide the necessary information needed to understand how to conduct, interpret, and report results from two commonly used ordered polytomous IRT models (Samejima's graded response [GR] model and reduced GR model).
Abstract: Item response theory (IRT) is a psychometric technique used in the development, evaluation, improvement, and scoring of multi-item scales. This pedagogical article provides the necessary information needed to understand how to conduct, interpret, and report results from two commonly used ordered polytomous IRT models (Samejima’s graded response [GR] model and reduced GR model). Throughout this article, simulated data from a multi-item scale is used to illustrate IRT analyses. The simulated data and IRTPRO version 2.1 point-and-click commands needed to reproduce all analyses in this article are available as supplemental online materials at http://jea.sagepub.com/maint. The intent of this article is to provide an overview of essential components of an IRT analysis to enable increased access to this powerful tool for applied early adolescence researchers.
116 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the association of parent-reported parenting and family factors with nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) in preadolescents was investigated, and no significant associations appeared between the presence of NSSI and parentreported family functioning and stressful life events.
Abstract: The present study investigates the association of parenting and family factors with nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) in preadolescents. A sample of 1,439 preadolescents and their parents were assessed by means of (a) adolescent-reported parenting behaviors (support and behavioral/psychological control), (b) parent-reported parenting behaviors (support and behavioral/psychological control) and parenting stress, and (c) parent-reported family structure, socioeconomic status (SES) of the family, family functioning, and family stressful life-events. The prevalence of NSSI was 4.82%. Preadolescents engaging in NSSI perceived more psychological and behavioral control from their parents. Logistic regression using parent-reported parenting behaviors as covariates showed a significant interaction between parent-reported support and behavioral control in relation to NSSI behaviors. No significant differences in parent-reported parenting stress and family structure emerged. Significant differences in parent-reported SES of families with and without self-injurious preadolescents were found. Finally, no significant associations appeared between the presence of NSSI and parent-reported family functioning and stressful life-events.
65 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that perceived gender nonconformity is associated with problematic peer relations, especially among females, in early adolescence and implications of these associations are discussed.
Abstract: The current study used reports from 318 early adolescents to examine the associations of peer-reported gender nonconformity with peer- and self-reported overt and relational victimization and aggression and possible sex differences in these associations. Multiple-group structural equation modeling revealed that higher levels of peer-reported gender nonconformity were associated with higher self- and peer-reports of overt and relational victimization and aggression among males and females. The association between peer-reported gender nonconformity and peer-reported overt aggression was moderated by participant sex, such that the association was stronger for females compared to males. Results suggest that perceived gender nonconformity is associated with problematic peer relations, especially among females, in early adolescence and implications of these associations are discussed.
63 citations
TL;DR: This article presents two numerical examples that use simulated data based on published studies in adolescence research to demonstrate how to specify, estimate, and interpret the results of single-level and multilevel mediation analyses to answer key research questions.
Abstract: Mediation analysis is a statistical approach used to examine how the effect of an independent variable on an outcome is transmitted through an intervening variable (mediator). In this article, we p...
55 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the behavioral, personality, and communicative predictors of acceptance and popularity in early adolescents with the goal of identifying the most salient features of early adolescents.
Abstract: This study examined the behavioral, personality, and communicative predictors of acceptance and popularity in 608 early adolescents. Data were collected with sociometric methods and ratings in 30 s...
40 citations
TL;DR: This paper identified ethnic group identification as a moderator in the relationship between perceived ethnic discrimination and problem behaviors in ethnic minority children, however, they did not consider the effect of race on the behavior of minority children.
Abstract: Previous research has identified ethnic group identification as a moderator in the relationship between perceived ethnic discrimination and problem behaviors in ethnic minority children. However, l...
38 citations
TL;DR: The results suggest that sex differences and adoptive status were related to only certain aspects of the participants’ self-concept, and thatdepressive symptoms were found to have significant effects on individual differences in the rate of change and on time-specific variation in general self- Concept.
Abstract: Previous research has demonstrated that adolescents make differential self-evaluations in multiple domains that include physical appearance, academic competence, and peer acceptance. We report growth curve analyses over a seven year period from age 9 to age 16 on the six domains of the Harter Self-Perception Profile for Children. In general, we find little change in self-concept, on average, but do find substantial individual differences in level, rate of change, and time-specific variation in these self- evaluations. The results suggest that sex differences and adoptive status were related to only certain aspects of the participants’ self-concept. Depressive symptoms were found to have significant effects on individual differences in rate of change and on time-specific variation in general self-concept, as well as on some of the specific domains of self-concept.
35 citations
TL;DR: Findings implicate impairment in emotional understanding as a precursor to emerging interpersonal and psychological difficulties during a developmental stage of heightened vulnerability to depression, the transition to adolescence.
Abstract: This study examined the proposal that difficulty understanding one's emotional experiences (ie, deficits in emotional clarity) would interfere with the formulation of adaptive responses to interpersonal stress, which would then predict depressive symptoms This process was examined across 3 years (fourth to sixth grade) during early adolescence Participants included 636 youth (338 girls, 298 boys; X age in fourth grade = 995, SD = 37) who completed measures assessing emotional clarity, stress responses, and depressive symptoms Consistent with the hypothesized model, path analyses revealed that maladaptive interpersonal stress responses partially mediated the prospective contribution of deficits in emotional clarity to depressive symptoms These findings implicate impairment in emotional understanding as a precursor to emerging interpersonal and psychological difficulties during a developmental stage of heightened vulnerability to depression, the transition to adolescence
35 citations
TL;DR: Evidence is found that externalizing behaviors predicted parent-child conflicts, which in turn, predicted internalizing symptoms, which highlighted the importance of facilitating positive parental and caregiver involvement during adolescence in alleviating the risk of co-occurring psychopathology.
Abstract: This study tests the predictive associations between externalizing behaviors and internalizing symptoms and examines the mediating roles of social competence, parent-child conflicts, and academic achievement. Using youth-, parent-, and teacher-reported longitudinal data on a sample of 523 boys and 460 girls from late childhood to early adolescence, we found evidence for pathways between externalizing behaviors and internalizing symptoms in both directions. Parent-child conflict, but not social competence and academic achievement, was found to be a significant mediator such that externalizing behaviors predicted parent-child conflicts, which in turn, predicted internalizing symptoms. Internalizing symptoms showed more continuity during early adolescence for girls than boys. For boys, academic achievement was unexpectedly, positively predictive of internalizing symptoms. The results highlight the importance of facilitating positive parental and caregiver involvement during adolescence in alleviating the risk of co-occurring psychopathology.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors show that generalizability theory (G-theory) is a comprehensive framework of measurement reliability, encompassing all other reliability methods (e.g., Pearson r, coefficient alpha and KR-20, intraclass correlation coefficients).
Abstract: In adolescence research, the treatment of measurement reliability is often fragmented, and it is not always clear how different reliability coefficients are related. We show that generalizability theory (G-theory) is a comprehensive framework of measurement reliability, encompassing all other reliability methods (e.g., Pearson r, coefficient alpha and KR-20, intraclass correlation coefficients). As such, G-theory provides the flexibility and comprehensiveness not offered by conventional reliability methods. Within the G-theory framework, the similarities and differences of different reliability coefficients can be easily understood, and planning for optimal measurement protocols in adolescence research is feasible. Using hypothetical data, we show how different conventional reliability estimates are related to G-theory estimates and how G-theory estimates are obtained in research practice. Adolescence researchers may use G-theory as the general framework for understanding different reliability estimates.
TL;DR: The authors examined the interrelations among reports of mothers' socialization goals, socialization behaviors in response to child emotion, child emotion regulation, and child socioemotional functioning in suburban middle-class families in India.
Abstract: Studies examining the link between parental socialization and child functioning in varying cultural contexts are scarce. Focusing on early adolescents in suburban middle-class families in India, the present study examined interrelations among reports of mothers’ socialization goals, socialization behaviors in response to child emotion, child emotion regulation, and child socioemotional functioning. One hundred and ten mothers and one of their children attending seventh grade at middle schools in Gujarat, India participated. Results indicated that suburban Indian mothers were more likely to endorse relational than autonomous socialization goals, and relational socialization goals were related to mothers’ reported explanation-oriented socialization behaviors in response to their children’s anger or sadness. Children’s self-reported regulation of anger and sadness mediated the negative relation between reports of mothers’ explanation-oriented supportive behaviors and child behavior problems. Moreover, childr...
TL;DR: The use of propensity scores as a method to promote causality in studies that cannot use random assignment has increased dramatically since its original publication in 1983 as mentioned in this paper, while the utility of the propensity scores has not been analyzed.
Abstract: The use of propensity scores as a method to promote causality in studies that cannot use random assignment has increased dramatically since its original publication in 1983. While the utility of th...
TL;DR: In this paper, a longitudinal study examined associations between changes in School Connectedness and changes in Affiliation With Deviant Peers among students from high-poverty backgrounds during the year immediately following the transition to middle school.
Abstract: This longitudinal study examined associations between changes in School Connectedness and changes in Affiliation With Deviant Peers among students from high-poverty backgrounds during the year immediately following the transition to middle school. Sixth-graders (N = 328) attending two middle schools in a large school district completed measures of School Connectedness and Affiliation With Deviant Peers at three points across the year. Results from parallel process modeling showed that students’ reports of School Support significantly declined across the school year, School Support and Affiliation With Deviant Peers were negatively associated at the beginning of the school year, and students who reported more declines in School Support were more likely to report growth in Affiliation With Deviant Peers across sixth grade. Gender differences were also found. Findings suggest that School Connectedness may be important for high-poverty students following the transition to middle school.
TL;DR: This paper examined the relation between maternal warmth and the internalizing and externalizing problems of early adolescents, and the potential mediation of this relation by emotional insecurity, and found that maternal warmth was associated with emotional insecurity.
Abstract: This study examines the relation between maternal warmth and the internalizing and externalizing problems of early adolescents, and the potential mediation of this relation by emotional insecurity....
TL;DR: In this paper, the relative influence of multiple parental characteristics (civic responsibility, encouragement of civic action, parent-youth clo... ) on children's behavior was examined using a multi-informant methodology.
Abstract: Adopting a multi-informant methodology, the current study examines the relative influence of multiple parental characteristics (civic responsibility, encouragement of civic action, parent-youth clo...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors show the detriments of neighborhood social disorganization for urban youth and focus less on potential neighborhood strengths or on the interplay of neighbor-h...
Abstract: Considerable evidence shows the detriments of neighborhood social disorganization for urban youth. Researchers have focused less on potential neighborhood strengths or on the interplay of neighborh...
TL;DR: This paper investigated grade and gender differences in the relations between domain-specific self-concept facets and self-esteem within a sample of 1958 German students in Grades 3 to 6 and found no difference in the selfconcept-self-esteem relations between the subsamples of third and fourth graders and fifth and sixth graders or between boys and girls.
Abstract: This study tested whether the gender intensification hypothesis applies to relations between multiple domain-specific self-concept facets and self-esteem. This hypothesis predicts gender-stereotypic differences in these relations and assumes they intensify with age. Furthermore, knowledge about gender-related or age-related differences in self-concept-self-esteem relations might provide valuable knowledge for designing effective self-esteem enhancement interventions. We investigated grade and gender differences in the relations between domain-specific self-concept facets and self-esteem within a sample of 1958 German students in Grades 3 to 6. Results indicated no difference in the self-concept - self-esteem relations between the subsamples of third and fourth graders and fifth and sixth graders or between boys and girls. These relations also did not differ between boys and girls in the subsamples of third and fourth graders and fifth and sixth graders. These results suggest self-concept-self-esteem relations to be invariant across grade levels and gender and thus did not support the gender intensification hypothesis.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors identify and describe different development trajectories of achievement goal orientations (mastery, performanceapproach, and performance avoidance) from the last year of elementary school to the third year of middle school (Grade 9, or Secondary 3).
Abstract: This longitudinal study builds on research addressing changes in achievement goal orientations (AG) across the transition to middle school. We had two objectives. The first was to identify and describe different development trajectories of AG (mastery, performance-approach, and performance-avoidance) from the last year of elementary school (Grade 6) to the third year of middle school (Grade 9, or Secondary 3). The second was to determine whether these trajectories depend on individual dispositions such as anxiety, depression, aggressiveness, and inattention. A sample of 378 French-speaking students from the province of Quebec and their mothers participated in a 4-year longitudinal study. Results showed three trajectories for mastery goals (High, Moderate, and Moderate-declining) and four trajectories for performance-approach (High, Moderate-declining, Low-increasing, and Low) and performance-avoidance goals (High, High-declining, Moderate, and Low-declining). Individual dispositions in the sixth grade pre...
TL;DR: In this paper, the instability of self-esteem is differentially associated with different types of aggressive behavior by using a sample of 235 preadolescent children, and the latent trait-state-occasion model was used to describe the stable trait and the fluctuating state components of selfesteem.
Abstract: This study examines whether the instability of self-esteem (i.e., a high intraindividual variability in self-esteem) is differentially associated with different types of aggressive behavior by using a sample of 235 preadolescent children. Self-esteem was measured four times for four consecutive days, and proactive and reactive aggressive behaviors were assessed by peer nominations. The latent trait-state-occasion model was used to describe the stable trait and the fluctuating state components of self-esteem. The empirical results indicated that the state component of self-esteem, not the trait component, had a significant association with aggressive behaviors. When controlling the trait component, the state component was positively related to reactive aggression and negatively related to proactive aggression. Implications for future research were discussed.
TL;DR: This paper examined how peer relationships contribute to young adolescents' adaptation in the face of exposure to community and family violence, and tested hypotheses about peers' role in processes that lead to adaptation.
Abstract: This study examined how peer relationships contribute to young adolescents’ adaptation in the face of exposure to community and family violence. It tested hypotheses about peers’ role in processes ...
TL;DR: In this article, a structural equation modeling analysis of data from two waves of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 (NLSY97) found an overall negative association between familial religiosity and juvenile delinquency.
Abstract: Personal religiosity has been identified as a protective factor against juvenile delinquency. However, the influence of familial religiosity on delinquent behavior is less known. This study addresses this gap by investigating how family participation in organizational religious activities is related to delinquent involvement in early adolescence. Based on a structural equation modeling analysis of data from two waves of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 (NLSY97), this study finds an overall negative association between familial religiosity and juvenile delinquency. It also finds that much of the relationship between familial religiosity and juvenile delinquency is mediated by the mechanisms of marital relationship, parenting practice, and attachment to parents. Language: en
TL;DR: Results are consistent with the theory that peer influences do not replace parental influences with regard to adolescent sexual behavior; rather, parental practices continue to serve an important role either directly forecasting sexual behavior or moderating the link between peer attitudes and sexual behavior.
Abstract: Maternal and paternal psychological control, peer attitudes, and the interaction of psychological control and peer attitudes at age 13 were examined as predictors of risky sexual behavior before age 16 in a community sample of 181 youth followed from age 13 to 16. Maternal psychological control moderated the link between peer attitudes and sexual behavior. Peer acceptance of early sex predicted greater risky sexual behaviors, but only for teens whose mothers engaged in high levels of psychological control. Paternal psychological control demonstrated the same moderating effect for girls; for boys, however, high levels of paternal control predicted risky sex regardless of peer attitudes. Results are consistent with the theory that peer influences do not replace parental influences with regard to adolescent sexual behavior; rather, parental practices continue to serve an important role either directly forecasting sexual behavior or moderating the link between peer attitudes and sexual behavior.
TL;DR: The authors examined longitudinal relations between sleep and body mass index (BMI) from late childhood to early adolescence with a relatively large (n = 273 at T1) and diverse (35% African Americans) sample.
Abstract: This study examined longitudinal relations between sleep and body mass index (BMI) from late childhood (X¯ age = 9.44 at T1) to early adolescence (X¯ age = 11.36 at T3) with a relatively large (n = 273 at T1) and diverse (35% African Americans) sample. Sleep was assessed with actigraphy-based sleep minutes and self-reported sleep problems. Latent growth modeling revealed associations between sleep and BMI that varied based on the sleep parameter and sex of the child. In particular, although boys reported more sleep problems and had higher BMI than girls across time, self-reported sleep problems at age 9 predicted higher BMI at age 11 among girls (but not boys). Furthermore, more minutes of actigraph-assessed sleep at age 9 only predicted less growth in BMI among the girls. Possible mechanisms and intervention implications are discussed.
TL;DR: In this article, rejection sensitivity (RS) instigates conflict and prompts maladaptive conflict responses within romantic relationships, and they tested whether RS had similar effects within friendships (N = 262, Xage = 18.
Abstract: Rejection sensitivity (RS) instigates conflict and prompts maladaptive conflict responses within romantic relationships We tested whether RS had similar effects within friendships (N = 262, Xage =
TL;DR: In this paper, a growing body of research considers the role of school settings in supporting adolescents' social-emotional and behavioral development through instructional, social, and organizational practices (Eccles & Roeser, 2009).
Abstract: A growing body of research considers the role of school settings in supporting adolescents’ social-emotional and behavioral development through instructional, social, and organizational practices (Eccles & Roeser, 2009). Recent lines of inquiry have begun to investigate individual aspects of the school setting and their influence in promoting positive academic outcomes and youth development (Shinn & Yoshikawa, 2008). These authors argue that, through an ecological lens, the school environment serves as a mechanism of change in supporting early adolescents’ academic identities. By presenting evidence that the school plays a fundamental role in changing these high-risk, African American youths’ academic perceptions, trajectories and aspirations, which led further to a 92% rate of students’ matriculation to college, we introduce how school setting characteristics support these youths’ conceptualizations of their academic identities. Moreover, this article addresses how our understanding of early adolescents’...
TL;DR: It is suggested that the presence of peers may override biologically based individual differences in propensity for risk taking and the effect of peer presence on risky decision making was attenuated for adolescents with more advanced pubertal development.
Abstract: Adolescents engage in more risky behavior when they are with peers and show, on average, heightened susceptibility to peer influence relative to children and adults. However, individual differences in susceptibility to peer influence are not well understood. The current study examined whether the effect of peers on adolescents’ risky decision making was moderated by pubertal status. Participants (58 youth, ages 11-16, 50% male, 63.9% African American) completed a computerized measure of risky decision making, once alone and once in the presence of two peers. Pubertal status was assessed using self-report. Adolescents made riskier decisions in the presence of peers, and more advanced pubertal development predicted greater risky decision making, controlling for chronological age. The effect of peer presence on risky decision making was attenuated for adolescents with more advanced pubertal development. These findings suggest that the presence of peers may override biologically based individual differences i...
TL;DR: The authors used real-time focal-child sampling methods to observe the playground behavior and victimization experiences of 600 third to sixth grade youth, and person-centered analyses yielded three profile profiles.
Abstract: Coders used real-time focal-child sampling methods to observe the playground behavior and victimization experiences of 600 third to sixth grade youth. Person-centered analyses yielded three profile...
TL;DR: Investigation of the demographic distribution of selected health-related behaviors and their relationship with different indicators of well-being found health-protective behaviors were associated with happiness, while health-risk behaviors wereassociated with socio-emotional difficulties.
Abstract: The objective of this study was to investigate the demographic distribution of selected health-related behaviors and their relationship with different indicators of well-being The data come from Wave 1 of the youth panel of Understanding Society household panel study The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) measured socio-emotional difficulties Markers of happiness in different life domains were combined to assess levels of happiness Generally, younger youth participated in more health-protective behaviors, while older youth reported more health-risk behaviors Higher consumption of fruit and vegetables and greater participation in sport were associated with higher odds of high happiness Healthier eating was associated with lower odds of socio-emotional difficulties, while increased fast food consumption was associated with higher odds of socio-emotional difficulties Smoking, drinking, and decreased sport participation were all associated with socio-emotional difficulties Health-protectiv