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Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Youth and Adolescence 6/2012

01-06-2012 | Empirical Research

Do Peers Matter in the Development of Self-Control? Evidence from a Longitudinal Study of Youth

Auteurs: Ryan C. Meldrum, Carter Hay

Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Youth and Adolescence | Uitgave 6/2012

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Abstract

According to Gottfredson and Hirschi’s self-control theory, child and adolescent variation in self-control results primarily from variations in parental socialization. Although much research reveals a link between parenting and self-control, many recent studies indicate that the etiology of self-control is more complex than what has been theoretically specified. In further considering this issue, the current study first presents a theoretical model that emphasizes the role that peers may play in the development of self-control, even when accounting for the influence of parents. Next, we empirically assess the extent to which peer behavior influences self-control during childhood. The data come from a sample of U.S. families (n = 776); 48% of the subjects are male, their age was 9 years, and non-Hispanic whites represented 84% of the sample. The analysis revealed that peer behavior is significantly associated with subsequent self-control, even after accounting for differences in parental socialization, prior self-control, and other potential sources of spuriousness. The implications of the findings for theory and future research are discussed.
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Metagegevens
Titel
Do Peers Matter in the Development of Self-Control? Evidence from a Longitudinal Study of Youth
Auteurs
Ryan C. Meldrum
Carter Hay
Publicatiedatum
01-06-2012
Uitgeverij
Springer US
Gepubliceerd in
Journal of Youth and Adolescence / Uitgave 6/2012
Print ISSN: 0047-2891
Elektronisch ISSN: 1573-6601
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-011-9692-0

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