Perceptions of prosocial and delinquent peer behavior and the effect on delinquent attitudes: A longitudinal study

PurposeThis study uses social learning and balance theories to explore the relationship between a youth's perceptions of both prosocial and antisocial peer behavior and their own delinquent attitudes.MethodsThe current research examines both the contemporaneous and lagged relationships between peer behavior and a youth's delinquent attitudes, the relative effect of prosocial versus antisocial peer behavior on attitudes as well as the effects of changes in these variables. Relationships are examined using data from a multi-site longitudinal sample of 3,820 youth. Analyses are completed using random-effects regression techniques as well as change scores.ResultsFindings indicate that perceptions of prosocial peer behavior have a lasting protective effect on the formation of delinquent attitudes. However, when focusing on change over time, changes in perceptions of delinquent peer behavior produce a stronger change in delinquent attitudes.ConclusionsThe current study was able to make advancements to both social learning and balance theory by focusing on perceptions of peer behavior and delinquent attitudes. The results justify the significance of continuing to examine factors that relate to how peer associations matter for delinquent attitudes and behavior.

► No difference between antisocial and prosocial peers on attitudes in lagged models.
► Stronger relative protective effect of prosocial peers on attitudes.
► Increase in antisocial peers related to an increase in delinquent attitudes.
► Decrease in prosocial peers related to a decrease in delinquent attitudes.