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Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.5559/di.28.2.07

A Comparison of Peer Influence and Peer Selection Effects in the Context of Female Adolescents' Sexual Debut

Marko Lucić ; Croatian Employment Service – Central Office, Zagreb
Aleksandar Štulhofer ; Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Zagreb


Full text: croatian pdf 251 Kb

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Abstract

Peers are an important source of normative pressure in the
context of adolescent risky behaviors, which is reflected in
high behavioral homophily repeatedly found in adolescent
groups. Two psychosocial mechanisms underlying this
similarity have been identified: peer influence (or pressure)
and peer selection (the process of befriending individuals
similar to oneself). The two mechanisms have been explored
primarily in the context of non-sexual adolescent risk taking
(e.g., tobacco, alcohol and drug abuse). This study is the first
longitudinal comparison of peer influence and peer selection
in the context of female adolescents' sexual initiation. Using
data from 162 female high-school students (Mage = 16
years, SD = 0.47) surveyed online twice in the period of 18
months, a cross-lagged path analysis pointed to a significant
effect of peer influence, but not peer selection. Contrary to
expectations, the moderating effect of peer conformism was
not corroborated. This study’s findings confirm the
importance of taking into account direct and indirect peer
influence when designing comprehensive sexuality education
programs.

Keywords

peer networks; adolescents; peer influence vs selection mechanism; sexual debut; longitudinal assessments

Hrčak ID:

220930

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/220930

Publication date:

10.6.2019.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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