Volume 31, Issue 1: February, 2004

Abstract

*Prospective Analysis of Peer and Parent Influences on Minor Aggression Among Early Adolescents

Bruce G. Simons-Morton, EdD, MPH, Jessica L. Hartos, PhD, Denise L. Haynie, PhD, MPH

The research examined the influence of parent and school variables on minor aggression among early adolescents. Sixth-grade students (N = 1,081) were interviewed at the beginning of the school year (Time 1) about aggressive behaviors and selected psychosocial variables and at the end of the year (Time 2) about aggressive behaviors. Aggression increased over time andwas greater for boys than girls at both time points. In path analyses, Time 1 aggressionwas directly associated with Time 2 aggression and indirectly associated through affiliation with Time 2 problem-behaving friends. School engagement was associated indirectly with Time 2 aggression through affiliation with problem-behaving friends. Parenting behavior was negatively and directly associated with Time 2 aggression and indirectly throughTime 2 affiliation with problem-behaving friends. The findings indicated that selection and previous behavior predicted peer affiliation and parenting and school engagement protected against early adolescent aggression.