Showing papers on "Peer group published in 2023"

Uncovering Peer Effects in Social and Academic Skills

Abstract: This paper studies the impact of adolescent peers who are central in their social network on the formation of social skills and academic performance of fellow students. I conduct a novel large-scale field experiment at selective public boarding schools in Peru with two treatments: (i) more socially central versus less socially central peers, and (ii) higher-achieving versus lower-achieving peers. Peer effects are more pronounced for social skills than academic performance, and both vary by gender. While socially central peers lead boys to better social skills, higher-achieving peers decrease girls' test scores. Gender differences in self-confidence can explain both findings. (JEL C93, I21, I26, J13, J16, O15, Z13)

Peer ethnic/racial socialization in adolescence: Current knowledge and future directions

Abstract: Peer groups are a central socialization setting in adolescence, and an emerging body of research has started to investigate the influence of peers on how adolescents understand, think about, and act on issues of ethnicity and race. This commentary summarizes the existing research that has investigated peer ethnic/racial socialization (ERS) and its associations with adolescent outcomes, highlighting the need to better understand: (1) what peers are doing related to issues of ethnicity/race; (2) who these peers are; (3) in what contexts peer ERS occurs; and (4) how peer ERS changes over time in adolescence. We hope the commentary, along with recent theoretical work seeking to unpack the complexity of ethnic/racial messages that young people receive across various developmental settings, will help generate more research to better understand the content, sources, and context of ERS, as well as its developmental changes over time. Highlights Peer groups are a central socialization setting in adolescence, and an emerging body of research hasstarted to examine the influence of peers on how adolescents understand, think about, and act on issues of ethnicity and race. This commentary summarizes the existing research that has investigated peer ethnic/racial socialization (ERS) and its associations with adolescent outcomes. The commentary highlights the need to betterunderstand 1) what peers are doing related to issues of ethnicity/race, 2)who these peers are, 3) in what contexts peer ERS occurs, and 4) how peerERS changes over time in adolescence. The commentary seeks to generate more researchto better unpack the complexity of ERS across various developmental settings.

Predictors of engagement with peer support: analysis of data from a randomised controlled trial of one-to-one peer support for discharge from inpatient psychiatric care

Abstract: Background: A range of evidence for the effectiveness of one-to-one peer support in mental health services is emerging. Levels of engagement with peer support vary with limited studies showing few individual participant characteristics predicting engagement. Implementation factors that might predict engagement have not been considered. Methods: Data were analysed from the intervention arm of the ENRICH trial of one-to-one peer support for discharge from acute psychiatric inpatient care. Two outcomes were considered: (1) a measure of ‘engaged with peer worker’; (2) number of face-to-face contacts with peer worker post-discharge. Two sets of independent variables were analysed against each outcome: (1) pre-randomisation participant characteristics; (2) implementation factors measured pre-discharge. Analyses used logistic and zero-inflated negative binomial regression models according to outcome structure. Results: Data were analysed for 265 participants randomised to peer support who had a known peer worker. Non-heterosexual participants had increased odds of engaging with peer support compared to heterosexual participants, OR = 4.38 (95% CI: 1.13, 16.9, p = .032). Longer duration of first contact with peer worker (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.04, p < .001) and more relationship building activities in the first contact (OR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.13, 1.85, p = .004) were associated with greater odds of engaging with peer support. Analysis of number of contacts post-discharge showed consistent findings. Conclusions: Implementation of peer support should include a focus on relationship building in the first session of peer support. The potential for peer support to break down barriers to accessing mental health services experienced by people from marginalised communities warrants further investigation.

Reducing staff turnover through the implementation of a peer mentoring program

Abstract: In Brief A peer mentoring program was implemented with the oversight of less than one full time-equivalent person and no budget. Staff turnover was less than the comparison group, 2.6% versus 7.9% over a 3-year period. Calculated cost savings was 4.4 million dollars.

Neural similarity in nucleus accumbens during decision‐making for the self and a best friend: Links to adolescents' self‐reported susceptibility to peer influence and risk taking

Abstract: Adolescence is marked by increased peer influence on risk taking; however, recent literature suggests enormous individual variation in peer influence susceptibility to risk‐taking behaviors. The current study uses representation similarity analysis to test whether neural similarity between decision‐making for self and peers (i.e., best friends) in a risky context is associated with individual differences in self‐reported peer influence susceptibility and risky behaviors in adolescents. Adolescent participants (N = 166, Mage = 12.89) completed a neuroimaging task in which they made risky decisions to receive rewards for themselves, their best friend, and their parents. Adolescent participants self‐reported peer influence susceptibility and engagement in risk‐taking behaviors. We found that adolescents with greater similarity in nucleus accumbens (NACC) response patterns between the self and their best friend reported greater susceptibility to peer influence and increased risk‐taking behaviors. However, neural similarity in ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) was not significantly associated with adolescents' peer influence susceptibility and risk‐taking behaviors. Further, when examining neural similarity between adolescents' self and their parent in the NACC and vmPFC, we did not find links to peer influence susceptibility and risk‐taking behaviors. Together, our results suggest that greater similarity for self and friend in the NACC is associated with individual differences in adolescents' peer influence susceptibility and risk‐taking behaviors.

Parental and Adolescent Educational Expectations and Adolescent Problem Behaviors: The Role of Deviant Peer Affiliations

Abstract: The comprehensive theory model of problem behaviors proposed that expectations are important factors affecting adolescent problem behaviors. The purpose of this study is to explore the association between educational expectations (in this study, this includes parental educational expectations and adolescent selfeducational expectations) and problem behaviors based on the framework of the CTMPB to provide empirical support for the prevention and intervention of adolescent problem behaviors. This study used cross-sectional data from the 2014–2015 academic year of the China Education Panel Survey (CEPS) conducted by the China survey and data center at the Renmin University of China. A nationwide representative sample of 9936 junior high school students was selected. Among them, 4870 (52.2%) were female, and the average age was 14.52 years (SD = 0.67 years). The results revealed that adolescent selfeducational expectations and deviant peer affiliations played a contributory mediating role in the association between parental educational expectations and adolescent problem behaviors. Both parental educational expectations and adolescent selfeducational expectations are protective factors against adolescent problem behaviors, and enhancing the two factors can decrease the likelihood of adolescent engagement in problem behaviors. In addition, deviant peer affiliations are risk factors for adolescent problem behaviors and represent a mediating factor between educational expectations and adolescent problem behaviors. However, this study was only based on cross-sectional data, requiring further support by longitudinal or experimental studies.

Cross-disciplinary structured peer group supervision: school psychology and behavior analysis

Abstract: ABSTRACT This paper describes the application of structured peer group supervision (SPGS) to support trainees in two distinct but interrelated professional training programs (i.e., school psychology and behavior analysis [online]) implemented within parallel supervision courses at the same university. SPGS was implemented virtually and synchronously and included members from both disciplines. Attention is given to the importance of supervision in school psychology and behavior analysis training and practice. The potential role of SPGS in supervision training is considered. Lessons learned from this cross-disciplinary collaboration are highlighted to enhance potential transferability for those wishing to similarly incorporate SPGS into supervision training.

Enhancing Role Integrity for Peer Workers.

Abstract: Although informal peer support has been a central feature of recovery for people with substance use disorder (SUD), more recently there has been a stark increase in formal models of peer support. In the infancy of formalized peer support, researchers warned of potential threats to the integrity of the peer support role. Now, almost two decades into the rapid expansion of peer support, research has yet to evaluate the extent to which peer support is being implemented with fidelity and role integrity. The present study aimed to assess peer workers' perceptions of peer role integrity. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 21 peer workers in Central Kentucky. Results suggest that the role of peers is not well understood by onboarding organizations, and thus, the integrity of peer support is diluted. Findings from this study suggest room for improvement in the training, supervision, and implementation of peer support.

Factors Influencing Chinese Adolescent Moral Behaviors

Abstract: The main purpose of this paper is to discuss the moral development of adolescents and the influence of peers on their moral behavior. Good peer relationships promote social development and acquisition of social skills; poor peer relationships may lead to maladaptive behavioral problems. moreover, other factors influenced the relationship between peers and adolescent moral behavior, including gender differences, peer closeness, and the influence of family economic status. Specifically, adolescents are more influenced by close friends than by friends in general; boys may be more involved in physical and verbal aggression and girls more involved in relational aggression; family socioeconomic status significantly affects adolescents' peer relationships, with more affluent families having more friends and peer relationships; while disadvantaged family socioeconomic backgrounds make adolescents more likely to experience peer rejection or be marginalized. Due to regional and cultural differences, adolescents in different environments and cultures may be influenced differently, which needs to be further explored in future research. This paper will help parents and schools to understand the psychological and behavioral characteristics of adolescents, and to assist and teach adolescents' education and healthy growth.

Peer Reputation Configurations and Associations with Friendship Adjustment.

Abstract: Peer reputation (PR) refers to how peer groups collectively view an individual in terms of socio-behavioral characteristics, such as aggression, social withdrawal, leadership, and prosociality. Despite considerable research on PR, few studies have considered PRs in relation to indices of friendship, particularly with a person-centered approach. The goal of the current study was to adopt such an approach and identify peer reputation configurations and their defining characteristics, and to examine how such configurations are linked to friendship prevalence and quality. Four hundred and twenty-six Italian seventh-grade students (57.3% male, Mage = 12.07) completed peer nomination measures of PR and reported on their friendships. Their mutual best friends were subsequently determined, and a friendship quality measure was completed. Teachers rated participants' problem behaviors and competencies. Cluster analytic methods produced four PR configurations that were defined by the following characteristics: (1) Shy/Excluded/Victimized, (2) Normative, (3) Aggressive/Arrogant, and (4) Prosocial/Popular. Teacher ratings supported these configurations such that Prosocial/Popular students were rated the lowest in problem behaviors and Shy/Excluded/Victimized and Aggressive/Arrogant were the highest in learning problems. Additional analyses showed numerous linkages between the configurations and friendship. For instance, Prosocial/Popular students were more likely to have mutual and satisfying friendships relative to students in the other groups. These findings provide new insights into the complex linkages between group- and dyadic-level peer experiences during early adolescence and may inform prevention and intervention efforts aimed at Shy/Excluded/Victimized youth struggling with peers.

The effect of peer-to-peer recognition systems on helping behavior: The influence of rewards and group affiliation

Abstract: Peer recognition systems are an increasingly popular management control tool through which employees can recognize and thank one another. I examine the effectiveness of these systems in motivating employee helping behavior. My theory and experimental findings suggest that group affiliation is a key moderating factor in determining the motivating influence of peer recognition systems. Specifically, I predict and find that the presence of a peer recognition system has a greater positive effect on in-group versus out-group helping. Results suggest this occurs because peer recognition systems, by formalizing the opportunity for social approval, sensitize employees to preexisting social expectations. I also predict that the incremental benefit of adding rewards to a peer recognition system will be greater for out-group versus in-group helping because the rewards will strengthen the perceived value of recognition among out-group members but simply replace in-group members’ social motivation. Statistical support for this prediction is weak, however. My findings provide insight into when peer recognition systems are effective in motivating helping behavior.

Low Self-Control, Peer Risk Factors, and Adolescent Vaping Activity

Abstract: Recent research has identified several risk factors for adolescent vaping. However, limited research has directly explored how low self-control and peer vaping activity are related to adolescent vaping. This study addresses these gaps in the literature by examining relationships between low self-control, peer risk factors for vaping, and adolescent nicotine vaping using a sample of Florida adolescents collected in 2019. In addition, this study examines whether peer risk factors moderate the relationship between low self-control and nicotine vaping. The findings suggest that low self-control and peer nicotine vaping are linked with adolescent nicotine vaping. The findings also provide evidence that peer risk factors may moderate the relationship between low self-control and adolescent nicotine vaping.

Bullying. Description Of The Roles Of Victim, Bully, Peer Group, School, Family And Society

Abstract: This research defines, through an extensive literature review, the roles played by the victim, bully, peer group, school, family and society in the dynamics of bullying. Finally, we conclude that the complexity and diversity of the actors should lead us to rethink the traditional definitions of school bullying, to stake out the focus of research projects and to reconstruct prevention and action policies.

An Agent-Based Social Impact Theory Model to Study the Impact of In-Person School Closures on Nonmedical Prescription Opioid Use among Youth

Abstract: Substance use behavior among youth is a complex peer-group phenomenon shaped by many factors. Peer influence, easily accessible prescription opioids, and a youth’s socio-cultural environment play recognized roles in the initiation and persistence of youth nonmedical prescription opioid use. By altering the physical surroundings and social environment of youth, in-person school closures may change risk factors for youth drug use. Acknowledging past research on the importance of the presence of peers in youth substance use risk behavior, this paper reports the findings from the use of an agent-based simulation grounded in social impact theory to investigate possible impacts of in-person school closures due to COVID-19 on the prevalence of nonmedical prescription opioid use among youth. The presented model integrates data from the Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey and characterizes the accessibility of within-home prescription opioids. Under the status quo, the lifting of in-person school closures reliably entails an increase in the prevalence of youth with nonmedical prescription opioid use, but this effect is ameliorated if the prescription opioids are securely stored during the in-person school closures period.

Mixed-sex peer groups and violent delinquency: understanding the separate and combined influence of mixed-sex peer groups, sex, and romance on violent delinquency

Abstract: Prior studies suggest peer group sex composition is an important correlate of delinquency, but these studies often conflate the influence of other-sex peers with that of romantic and intimate partners. This research seeks to understand the influence of other-sex peers as separate from, but related to, romantic activity and sexual debut. I find that while sexual and romantic activity predict mixed-sex peer group (MSPG) membership, they do not fully explain the positive relationship between MSPG membership and violent delinquency. Guided by literature on gender socialization and the institutionalization of heteronormativity, I argue this result can be explained as the result of a heteronormative culture that problematizes platonic, other-sex interactions and forces adolescents to maintain other-sex friendships in non-surveilled spaces.

Community peer support among individuals living with spinal cord injury

Abstract: Peer support is widely assumed to help individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) adjust, yet the evidence is mixed. We propose that peer support may be more likely to promote adjustment when informal support is lacking. To test this hypothesis, 135 individuals living with SCI receiving peer support (46.7% female; Mage = 42.36, SD = 14.83) completed an online survey assessing aspects of and satisfaction with the peer support and family/friend support that they were receiving as well as measures of adjustment. Although those reporting receiving more peer support were not any better adjusted than those reporting less, individuals who were more satisfied with the peer support they received reported better adjustment. Moreover, the relation of satisfaction with peer support with depressive symptoms was dependent on the level of family/friend support. These findings suggest that peer support is most effective among those lacking support from family and friends.

Peer mentoring for smoking cessation in public housing: A mixed-methods study

Abstract: Introduction Tobacco use disproportionately affects low-income African American communities. The recent public housing smoke-free policy has increased the demand for effective smoking cessation services and programs in such settings. Methods This mixed-method pilot study explored feasibility and potential impact of a peer-mentoring program for smoking cessation in a public housing unit. The quantitative study used a quasi-experimental design while qualitative data were collected via focus group discussions with peer mentors and participants. Three residents of the public housing complex were trained as peer mentors. Each peer mentor recruited up to 10 smokers in the residence and provided them individual support for 12 weeks. All participants were offered Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT). A follow-up investigation was conducted 3 months after completion of the 12-week intervention. At baseline and follow-up, the participants' smoking status was measured using self-report and was verified using exhaled carbon monoxide (eCO) monitoring. Results The intervention group was composed of 30 current smokers who received the peer-mentoring intervention. The control group was composed of 14 individuals. Overall mean eCO levels dropped from 26 ppm (SD 19.0) at baseline to 12 (SD 6.0) at follow-up (P < 0.01). Participants who were enrolled in our program were more likely to have non-smoking eCO levels (<7 ppm) at follow-up (23.3%) compared to those who did not enroll (14.3%). Conclusion Our program is feasible for low-income predominantly African American communities. Using peers as mentors may be helpful in providing services for hard-to-reach populations. Given the non-randomized design of our study, randomized trials are needed to test the efficacy of our program in the future.

Social predictors of marijuana use among African American youth

Abstract: As marijuana use is increasingly decriminalized in the United States, the research suggests that understanding the importance of risk and protective factors within each racial/ethnic group is key to buffering the impact marijuana has on youth. Therefore, the current study examined the potential impacts of psychosocial factors included in the Theory of Planned Behavior—perceived risk, peer disapproval, and parental involvement—on marijuana use in a nationally representative sample of African American youth (n = 1768). Increased perceived risk, peer disapproval, and parental involvement were each associated with lower rates of last year marijuana use. Implications for prevention and treatment are discussed.

Student research peer support group: reflections on mutual aid in qualitative research

Abstract: ABSTRACT This paper details a doctoral student research peer support group that was established consisting of three social work researchers at various stages (doctoral student, doctoral candidate, and postdoctoral fellow) as they trained for qualitative simulation-based research within a research lab at a school of social work in Canada. Grounded in mutual aid, this paper highlights the development of this student research peer support group which focused on experiential, collaborative, and reflective learning. Benefits of establishing similar groups are discussed, and suggestions for doctoral students and faculty interested in developing similar groups are provided.