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Person × Environment Interactions on Adolescent Delinquency: Sensation Seeking, Peer Deviance and Parental Monitoring
Abstract
Sensation seeking is a personality trait that is robustly correlated with delinquent behavior in adolescence. The current study tested specific contextual factors hypothesized to facilitate, exacerbate or attenuate this risk factor for adolescent delinquency. Individual differences in sensation seeking, peer deviance, parental monitoring and self-reported delinquent behavior were assessed in a sample of 470 adolescents. Peer deviance partially mediated the effects of sensation seeking and parental monitoring on adolescent delinquency. We also found evidence for a three-way interaction between sensation seeking, peer deviance and parental monitoring, such that the highest rates of delinquency occurred from the concurrence of high sensation seeking, high peer deviance, and low levels of parental monitoring. Results highlight the importance of considering peer- and family-level processes when evaluating personality risk and problematic adolescent behavior.
... (Received 14 May 2021; revised 12 November 2021; accepted 20 December 2021) Youth who show heightened sensation-seeking are at risk of developing delinquent behavior in adolescence (Harden et al., 2012;Mann et al., 2015). In addition, studies have indicated that heightened sensation-seeking is an important mediating factor in the link between environmental stressors, such as childhood victimization, and the development of delinquency (Choy et al., 2015;Fagan et al.;Van Goozen et al., 2007. ...
... Sensation-seeking is defined as "the need for varied, novel and complex sensations and experiences and the willingness to take physical and social risks for the sake of such experiences" (Zuckerman, 1979). Previous studies have shown that individuals who show high levels of sensation-seeking during late childhood are at risk of developing delinquent behavior later in adolescence (Harden et al., 2012;Mann et al., 2015). It has been suggested that this sensation-seekingdelinquency association among adolescents might be due to biological correlates, such as lower resting state heart rate (Hammerton et al., 2018;Ortiz & Raine, 2004;Portnoy et al., 2014;Sijtsema et al., 2010), dysregulated dopaminergic activation (Chester et al., 2016), increased gonadal hormone secretion (Aluja & Torrubia, 2004;Campbell et al., 2010), altered reward-related brain activity (Gjedde et al., 2010), and shared genetic influences (Mann et al., 2016). ...
... Moreover, we found that childhood victimization was indirectly related to delinquency via changes in those sensation-seeking-related DNAm patterns. The finding that a biological correlate of sensation-seeking is related to the development of delinquency is in line with previous research where the link between sensation-seeking and delinquency is shown (Harden et al., 2012;Mann et al., 2015). In addition, the finding that early adverse childhood experiences are related to a biological correlate of sensationseeking is also in line with previous research where the association between childhood victimization and sensation-seeking have been documented (Bornovalova et al., 2008). ...
Heightened sensation-seeking is related to the development of delinquency. Moreover, sensation-seeking, or biological correlates of sensation-seeking, are suggested as factors linking victimization to delinquency. Here, we focused on epigenetic correlates of sensation-seeking. First, we identified DNA methylation (DNAm) patterns related to sensation-seeking. Second, we investigated the association between sensation-seeking related DNAm and the development of delinquency. Third, we examined whether victimization was related to sensation-seeking related DNAm and the development of delinquency. Participants (N = 905; 49% boys) came from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. DNAm was assessed at birth, age 7 and age 15-17. Sensation-seeking (self-reports) was assessed at age 11 and 14. Delinquency (self-reports) was assessed at age 17-19. Sensation-seeking epigenome-wide association study revealed that no probes reached the critical significance level. However, 20 differential methylated probes reached marginal significance. With these 20 suggestive sites, a sensation-seeking cumulative DNAm risk score was created. Results showed that this DNAm risk score at age 15-17 was related to delinquency at age 17-19. Moreover, an indirect effect of victimization to delinquency via DNAm was found. Sensation-seeking related DNAm is a potential biological correlate that can help to understand the development of delinquency, including how victimization might be associated with adolescent delinquency.
... Parental monitoring is broadly defined as the actions of a parent designed to track or surveil their child, and low monitoring allows the child to be with friends that are not known to the parent (Dishion & McMahon, 1998;Patterson & Dishion, 1985;Patterson et al., 1989). This link between lower parental monitoring and peer delinquency has been supported in several studies (Ary et al., 1999;Dynes et al., 2015;Mann et al., 2015;Warr, 2005). For example, in a longitudinal study involving 1730 adolescents, effective parental monitoring rules predicted a lower likelihood that an adolescent would select future deviant peers (Tilton-Weaver et al., 2013). ...
... For example, in a longitudinal study involving 1730 adolescents, effective parental monitoring rules predicted a lower likelihood that an adolescent would select future deviant peers (Tilton-Weaver et al., 2013). In addition, the effect of parental monitoring on an adolescent's antisocial behavior has been found to be at least partially explained by the youth's association with deviant peers in both longitudinal and cross-sectional studies (Dynes et al., 2015;Henry et al., 2001;Janssen et al., 2016;Mann et al., 2015;Simons et al., 1994). ...
Introduction:
Poor parental monitoring has been theorized as a key risk factor for an adolescent's association with deviant peers. However, measurements of parental monitoring often only measure parental knowledge rather than parental monitoring actions, leaving the true longitudinal associations between parental monitoring and peer delinquency unclear.
Methods:
The current sample consisted of 1095 male justice-involved adolescents (13-17 years old at baseline collected between 2011 and 2013) from across the United States who provided survey data every 6 months for 3 years. Longitudinal associations between parental monitoring constructs (i.e., parental solicitation and monitoring rules) and peer delinquency were tested using random intercept cross-lagged panel models to investigate both between-individual associations and within-individual bidirectional effects.
Results:
Although parental monitoring and peer delinquency were negatively related at a between-individual level, very few within-individual directional effects were found. The few within-individual effects present indicated that parental solicitation predicted greater peer delinquency and peer delinquency predicted fewer parental monitoring rules over time.
Conclusions:
Current findings indicate that, while greater overall parental monitoring is associated with less peer delinquency, there is little evidence that changes in parental monitoring lead to reductions in peer delinquency over time. Results support previous findings suggesting parental monitoring should not be the sole target of intervention for reducing peer delinquency.
... In the literature, there are several studies on sensation seeking (Barnett, 2006;Fuchs, 2013;Gilchrist, Povey, Dickinson, & Povey, 1995;Galloway, 2002;Hong & Jang, 2004;Lepp & Gibbson, 2008;Litvin, 2008;Pizam et al., 2004;Wang, 2012;Zuckerman, 1979Zuckerman, , 1993Zuckerman, , 1994. However, only a limited number of studies focused on change seeking (Howard & Diesenhaus, 1965;Ruder, Ruder, & Brown, 1973;Garlington & Russell, 1983), whereas studies including both concepts come mostly from the psychology and medicine areas (Zuckerman, Buchsbaum, & Murphy, 1980;Hoyle , Stephenson, Palmgreen, Lorch, & Donohew, 2002;Mann, Kretsch, Tackett, Harden, & Drob, 2015;Howard & Diesenhaus, 1965). In particular, to the knowledge of the authors, there is no research on change seeking in the tourism literature. ...
... Sensation seeking (SS), defi ned as the tendency to choose or prefer new, stimulating, exciting trends, has been extensively researched since the beginning of the 1960s (Mann et al., 2015). Th e majority of the studies are related to the sensation seeking and aberrant behaviors. ...
Tourists’ holiday preferences may change with changing consumption habits and various impulses, such as sensation seeking and change seeking. Therefore, this study aims to determine the effect of domestic tourists' sensation seeking on their holiday preferences according to their level of change seeking. A questionnaire was developed based on previous literature and data were collected among domestic tourists who inhabit the Adana city center and who had holiday at least once a year. Overall, data from 1,580 respondents entered the data analysis stage. Using stepwise clustering, participants were divided into two groups: high level of change seekers and low level of change seekers. It was found that individuals who had high level of change seeking attitudes displayed more sensational seeking than individuals who had low level of change seeking. The findings also showed that people with high level of change seeking had significantly higher motivations for beach, culture and adventure holidays
... Decades of research in developmental psychology has documented the positive role of parental monitoring on adolescents' adjustment. For example, empirical evidence based on both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies suggests that higher levels of parental monitoring are linked to better academic achievement, lower delinquency, and less health-compromising risk-taking behaviors, such as drinking, smoking, unprotected sexual behavior, drug use, and antisocial behavior (Steinberg et al., 1994;Jacobson and Crockett, 2000;Li et al., 2000a;DiClemente et al., 2001;Mann et al., 2015). The current research aimed to identify the neurobiological representation of parental monitoring by employing an innovative neural pattern similarity approach to compare parents' anticipation of their adolescent child's risk taking and their own risk-taking decisions, with attention to its implications for adolescents' risk taking. ...
... Although adolescents spend increasing time with their peers (Larson and Verma, 1999), parents still serve as important socialization agents (Collins and Steinberg, 2006;Smetana et al., 2006). Decades of research has consistently demonstrated the protective role of parental monitoring -parents' effort of knowing adolescents' activities and behavior -in preventing risk taking (e.g., Steinberg et al., 1994;Jacobson and Crockett, 2000;Li et al., 2000b;DiClemente et al., 2001;Mann et al., 2015). Despite accumulating neuroimaging studies on adolescent risk taking in the past decade, no prior study focuses on parents' brain to shed light on the neural representation of parental monitoring. ...
Decades of developmental research have demonstrated the positive role of parental monitoring during adolescence, a time during which youth seek exploration and show heightened risk taking. The present study employed a novel neural pattern similarity approach to identify neural patterns underpinning parental monitoring, with attention to implications for adolescent risk taking. Mothers (N = 23) underwent an fMRI scan during which they completed a risk-taking task and viewed the risk-taking behavior of their adolescent child. Using a representational similarity analysis, we examined the neural pattern similarity between mothers’ anticipation of their child’s risk taking and their own decisions. Higher parental monitoring was reflected in greater similarity between neural pattern of anticipating their adolescents’ risk taking and experiencing their own safe outcomes. Moreover, greater neural pattern similarity between mothers’ anticipation and their own safe outcomes was associated with lower risk-taking propensity in adolescents. Taken together, the present study provides preliminary evidence for the neural patterns underpinning parental monitoring, highlighting the importance of incorporating parents’ brain as a window to understand parenting practices and adolescent risk taking.
... Indeed, counter to the hypothesis, life satisfaction negatively mediated only the relationship between parental monitoring and binge eating, whereas, as expected, sensation seeking negatively mediated parental monitoring association with both binge eating and drinking. In other words, parental monitoring may be considered as a contextual factor that mitigates personal disposition to problematic behaviors (Mann, Kretsch, Tackett, Harden, & Tucker-Drob, 2015) which, in turn, decreases the likelihood for youth to engage in binge eating and drinking in order to avoid feelings of boredom or to satisfy their need of experiencing extreme sensations (Kaynak et al., 2013;Rossier et al., 2000). Moreover, according to the present findings, a parenting style based on behavioral control, surveillance, and responsiveness to youth's needs seemed to enhance youth's life satisfaction which, in turn, discouraged binge eating but not binge drinking. ...
... In other words, when youth feel that they are monitored by parents not only are they likely to be more satisfied with their lives, but they also do not engage in risky behaviors to mitigate their willingness to experience extreme sensations. Hence, in line with an ecological perspective (Bronfenbrenner, 2005), this study pinpointed that both social (family environment) and personal (personality trait and well-being) factors play a fundamental, joint role in the processes that lead youth to avoid dangerous behaviors (Mann et al., 2015), such as an unhealthy use of alcohol and food. Relatedly, this study warned that both research and programs should pay more attention to the possible interrelations between intrapersonal and contextual factors that may cause or discourage binge behaviors among youth. ...
Framed within an ecological perspective of the onset of adolescent problem behaviors, the current study explored the joint role of parent-adolescents’ relationships and youth's individual factors in binge eating and drinking. Firstly, in line with pieces of research highlighting the beneficial impact of effective parenting on youth development, the present paper sought to enhance the knowledge about the positive influence of parental monitoring on youth's binge drinking and eating. Moreover, since literature evidenced that the explanatory mechanisms of the association between parental monitoring and binge behaviors are not fully explored, the study focused on the potential intervening role of sensation seeking and life satisfaction as mediators. The study design was cross-sectional and self-report questionnaires were administered among a population of 944 high school students (M = 16.35, SD = 1.31) living in Palermo (Italy). Path analysis showed that parental monitoring was directly and negatively related to both binge eating and binge drinking. Moreover, sensation seeking negatively mediated the relationships between parental monitoring and both binge behaviors, whereas life satisfaction only mediated between parental monitoring and binge eating. The current study provided data useful to understand the complex interrelations between intrapersonal (life satisfaction and personality trait, i.e. sensation seeking) and contextual factors (parent–child relationships) that may discourage or cause eating and alcohol use disorders among youth. Finally, implications for parents and practitioners working with youngsters were discussed.
... Parental Monitoring Parental monitoring, operationalized as the extent to which parents are aware of their children's whereabouts and activities, influences adolescent decision-making and risky behaviors, and is especially protective in high-risk environments (Lac and Crano 2009). Low parental monitoring is associated with behavioral health problems, delinquency, peer deviance, pro-substance attitudes, and poor academic performance (Voisin et al. 2017;Lac and Crano 2009;Mann et al. 2015). Conversely, high parental monitoring can reduce internalizing and externalizing problems (Hamza and Willoughby 2011), and is associated with lower youth violence rates in high-risk neighborhoods (Fergus and Zimmerman 2005). ...
... Specifically, based on previously documented direct associations of religious service participation and internalizing and externalizing problems (Mattis and Mattis 2011;Salas-Wright et al. 2013), it was hypothesized that higher religiosity would attenuate the associations of cumulative risk with internalizing and externalizing problems. Based on studies showing direct associations of parental monitoring and internalizing and externalizing problems, and substance use (Hamza and Willoughby 2011;Mann et al. 2015), it was predicted that parental monitoring would moderate the associations of cumulative risk with internalizing problems, externalizing problems, and polydrug use. Further, it was hypothesized that higher collective efficacy would moderate the associations of cumulative risk with externalizing problems and polydrug use, based on prior research showing direct associations of similar constructs (Widome et al. 2008). ...
This study investigated internalizing problems, externalizing problems, and polydrug use among African-American youth residing in high-poverty neighborhoods, and tested the potential protective effects of religiosity, parental monitoring, and neighborhood collective efficacy on life stress and behavioral health outcomes (N = 576; 307 females; Mage = 16 years, SD = 1.44 years). A cumulative risk index reflected the combined effects of past year exposure to stressful life events, racial discrimination, and exposure to violence along with poor neighborhood ecology. Structural equation modeling revealed that cumulative risk significantly predicted internalizing problems, externalizing problems, and polydrug use. Interaction tests showed that the association of cumulative risk with internalizing problems was buffered by adolescent religiosity and neighborhood collective efficacy. The association of cumulative risk with externalizing problems was buffered by parental monitoring and collective efficacy. Adolescent sex further moderated these effects. The findings of the present study collectively highlight potential for protective factors to buffer effects of cumulative risk on behavioral health outcomes among youth residing in high-risk neighborhoods.
... Previous investigations have found that adolescents with high sensation seeking are more likely to report having high levels of deviant peer affiliation (Hampson et al., 2008), and may positively predict their deviant peer affiliation (Yanovitzky, 2005;Hampson et al., 2008). Further, deviant peer affiliation has been shown to mediate the association between sensation seeking and problem behaviors (Mann et al., 2015). Additionally, adolescent engagement in various socially undesirable behaviors with their deviant peers is a primary risk factor for the development of Internet addiction (Li et al., 2013). ...
... This peer environment may reinforce adolescents' problem behaviors through imitation, social learning, and social facilitation (Fergusson et al., 2002). Other researchers have suggested that a homogeneous process of selecting peers increases the possibility of problem behaviors (Mann et al., 2015). Joining a deviant peer group is one way for adolescents with high sensation seeking to express themselves, as youth engaging in deviant behavior typically have a greater need for sensation seeking than do their typically developing peers (Caspi et al., 2005;Hampson et al., 2008). ...
Although there is abundant evidence that an association between sensation seeking and adolescent Internet gaming addiction (IGA) exists, research has provided little insight into why adolescents with high sensation seeking are more likely to be focused on Internet and video games. Grounded in the social development model and ecological systems theory, this study investigated whether deviant peer affiliation mediated the relationship between sensation seeking and adolescent IGA, and whether this indirect link was moderated by parental knowledge. Participants were 1293 Chinese adolescents (49.65% male, Mage = 12.89 ± 0.52 years) who completed questionnaires assessing sensation seeking, deviant peer affiliation, parental knowledge, and IGA. Structural equation models revealed that the positive association between sensation seeking and adolescent IGA was partially mediated by deviant peer affiliation. In addition, this indirect link was significantly moderated by parental knowledge. Specifically, the indirect path from sensation seeking to adolescent IGA was stronger for adolescents with low parental knowledge than for those with high parental knowledge. Identifying the role of peers and parents in the onset of adolescent IGA has key implications for prevention and intervention.
... The understanding of the mechanism involved in the association between emotional abuse and these high-risk behaviors reveal the importance of the tendency toward sensation seeking. This study confirms the existing relationship between the sensation seeking and the adoption of various high-risk behaviors, as also highlighted by prior studies (LaSpada et al., 2020;Mann et al., 2015), but also allowed us to go a little further by integrating the role of emotional abuse in this equation. Young people who have been denigrated by their parents, or who have experienced indifference, emotional rejection, threats or who have been exposed to domestic violence will tend to seek more thrills through various highrisk behaviors, such as delinquency and the use of drugs and alcohol. ...
... Given the significance of peer influence during adolescence, young people are likely to adhere to the pressures of deviant associates [62]. Previous research has identified that adolescent alliances with individuals who exhibit delinquent behaviours increase the development of deviant and antisocial undertakings [63,64]. It has also been advocated that adolescent deviant peer affiliation is strongly influenced by negative factors within the immediate environment, in particular, the relationship between parent and adolescent [65]. ...
Purpose
The term ‘technoference’ refers to habitual interferences and disruptions within interpersonal relationships or time spent together due to use of electronic devices. Emerging evidence suggests associations between parental technoference and young people’s mental health and violent behaviours. This scoping review sought to summarise the existing literature.
Methods
A scoping review was undertaken across six databases (APA PsycINFO, MEDLINE, ASSIA, ERIC, Social Sciences Premium Collection, SciTech Premium). Searches included articles examining the association between parental technoference and adolescent mental health and violent behaviours. All included studies provided empirical findings.
Results
Searches retrieved 382 articles, of which 13 articles met the eligibility criteria. A narrative approach was applied to synthesise the eligible findings. Across all studies, adolescent perceptions of parental technoference were negatively associated to adolescent mental health and positively related to adolescent violent behaviours. Parental cohesion and mental health were identified as significant mediating factors.
Conclusion
Findings suggest that parents should be aware of the environment in which they use electronic devices as their use can potentially, directly and indirectly, influence adolescent mental health and violent behaviours. Further research into the potential caveats of parental technoference could support the development of evidence-informed guidelines for parental management of electronic devices.
... According to Mann et al. (2015), delinquency or associated behaviors and qualities may affect how adolescents choose their peers. Children who begin hanging out with troubled classmates are likelier to develop permissive attitudes toward delinquent activities (Pardini, Loeber, & Stouthamer-Loeber, 2015). ...
Modern society today is replete with stories of in-school adolescents demonstrating delinquencies due to depleting psychological factors, poor economic factors, moral degradation, social laxity, and wanton crime of humanity against humanity. Hence, this study investigated some psycho-personological factors affecting delinquency among adolescents. Descriptive survey research was employed, and a random sampling technique was also deployed in selecting 400 participants in-school adolescents from 10 schools randomly selected in the Ibadan North Local Government area of Oyo state. Valid and standardized instruments were utilized for information gathering. The age ranged between 13 years to 19 years. Pearson product-moment correlation and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the data. The result showed that each of the psycho-personological factors jointly influences delinquent behavior among the in-school adolescents (F (3396)=25.458; R=0.647; R`=0.445; Adj.=0.439; P< 0.05) total variation of 58% and the most potent contributors to delinquency were family structure (B=0.625, t=10.483, p<0.05), followed by social media (r=0.588, p <0.05) than peer pressure (r=-0.053; p>0.05). It was concluded that parents and teachers must instill good morals into adolescents and watch keenly the kind of peers they move with. The government should put policies in place to address the problem of delinquencies.
... According to Mann et al. (2015), delinquency or associated behaviors and qualities may affect how adolescents choose their peers. Children who begin hanging out with troubled classmates are likelier to develop permissive attitudes toward delinquent activities (Pardini, Loeber, & Stouthamer-Loeber, 2015). ...
... First, high sensation seekers usually prefer novel stimuli and desire for high arousal experiences and are not mature enough in risk assessment, so in the frequent interaction with deviant peers, they tend to seek thrills and pleasure with their peers while ignoring the risks and harms of the overuse of mobile phones [20], consequently leading to SPA. Furthermore, according to the views stated in previous studies, when a risk factor appears at the same time as other risk factors, its cumulative risk effect will produce a more negative iSPAct instead of the simple addition of individual risk effects [43]. It can be inferred that SS (risk factor) will "amplify" or "enhance" the negative effect of the interaction with deviant peers (risk factor) on SPA. ...
It has been reported that parental phubbing(PP) is a significant risk predictor of smartphone addiction (SPA) among adolescents. However, the mechanisms underlying this association remain largely unclarified. On the basis of the ecological systems and social learning theories, this study assessed the mediating effect of deviant peer affiliation (DPA) and the moderating effect of sensation seeking (SS) in the association between parental phubbing and SPA among Chinese adolescents. A total of 786 Chinese adolescents (mean age = 13.17 years, SD = 1.35) completed the questionnaires anonymously about parental phubbing, SPA, DPA and SS. After adjusting for study variables, DPA could partially mediate the relationship between parental phubbing and SPA among adolescents and this indirect path could be moderated by SS. Notably, the effect of DPA on SPA was greater in adolescents with higher SS than in those with lower SS.
... The main environmental risk factors include socioeconomic factors, normative beliefs in the social environment, as well as normative conflict between parents and peers. The tendency to take risks is also related to individual dispositions [4], and engaging in risky behaviors is especially positively correlated with temperamental variables, such as impulsivity [5][6][7], lower sensory sensitivity, emotional reactivity and endurance, higher activity [8], and high levels of sensation seeking (SS) [9][10][11]. ...
Objectives: Sensation seeking (SS) is associated with engaging in risk behaviors and it is also positively correlated with engaging in physical activity and building beneficial personality resources for coping processes. This study investigates the role of SS in building resiliency and the risk of tobacco and alcohol use.
Methods: A total of 649 adolescents, who either practice or do not practice sports, took part in this study. Participants completed a set of questionnaires which verify level of: SS, resiliency, tobacco and alcohol use.
Results: No statistically significant gender- or sports-related differences were observed on the tobacco and alcohol use, as well as for SS according to the ANOVA results. Furthermore, mediation analysis showed that the effect of SS on tobacco and alcohol use through resiliency was significant for the female PE and the male athlete group.
Conclusion: Higher influence of SS on resiliency was noted in the male athlete group, and in this case resiliency was a factor protecting against tobacco use. Engaging in sports fosters resiliency, the mechanisms underlying the development of resiliency seem to be aided by SS.
... Further, the association between sensation seeking and delinquency may be exacerbated by contextual factors. For example, Mann et al., (2015) found that adolescents high in sensation seeking who have delinquent peers and whose parents make less of an effort to monitor also exhibit increased engagement in delinquent behaviors (e.g., getting suspended from school, selling marijuana, carrying a hidden weapon). ...
Parents have adopted a variety of strategies for monitoring their adolescent children; yet, some strategies are more strongly associated with risk-taking during adolescence. The present study examined how age moderates the association between parental monitoring and adolescent risk-taking. Participants (N = 117, Mage = 15.21 years) were predominantly female (64.1%), and the largest racial/ethnic group in the sample was Asian (57.3%). Participants’ reports of risk behavior were regressed on participants’ reports of parental monitoring, and age was explored quadratically as a curvilinear moderator. Among more frequently monitored adolescents, risk-taking was lower in mid-adolescence and higher in later adolescence; among less frequently monitored adolescents, risk-taking was higher in early and mid-adolescence and lower in later adolescence (R2 = 0.26, p < 0.01). Parents should consider age-related developmental changes in adolescence (e.g., increased need for autonomy) and modify their monitoring efforts to match youths’ developmental needs.
... Psychoeducation of how their personality style may lead to greater risk of traumatic events and ways to mitigate this may also be important for these adolescents. In addition, while important for all adolescents, parental monitoring may be particularly important for those high in sensation seeking, with cross-sectional and longitudinal evidence of a buffering effect of parental monitoring on the relationship between sensation seeking and adolescent delinquency (substance use, sexual risk behaviours, truancy, carrying a weapon, physical fights) [41,42]. ...
Traumatic events (severe injury, violence, threatened death) are commonly experienced by children. Such events are associated with a dose-response increasing risk of subsequent substance use, mental illness, chronic disease, and premature mortality. Preventing the accumulation of traumatic events is thus an urgent public health priority. Substance use risk personality profiles (impulsivity, sensation seeking, hopelessness, and anxiety sensitivity) may be an important target for preventing trauma exposure, given associations between these personality traits and risky behaviour, substance misuse, and injuries across adolescence. The current study aimed to investigate associations between personality at age 13 and the number of traumatic events experienced by age 18. It also examined associations between traumas before age 13 and personality at age 13. Participants were the control group of a cluster-randomised controlled trial examining prevention of adolescent alcohol misuse. Baseline data were collected at ages 12–13 (2012). Participants were followed-up at ages 18–19 (2017–2018). Personality profiles of hopelessness, anxiety sensitivity, impulsivity, and sensation seeking were measured at baseline using the Substance Use Risk Profile Scale. Traumatic events and age of exposure were measured at age 18–19 using the Life Events Checklist for DSM-5. Mixed-effect regression was conducted on 287 participants in Stata 17, controlling for sex. High scores on hopelessness, impulsivity, and sensation seeking at age 13 were associated with a greater number of traumatic events by age 18. Impulsivity and sensation seeking predicted the number of new traumatic events from age 13 to 18. Prior trauma exposure was associated with high hopelessness at age 13. Adolescents exhibiting high impulsivity or sensation seeking may be at greater risk of experiencing traumatic events. Additionally, early trauma exposure may contribute to the development of a hopelessness personality trait.
... Sensation seeking is one risk factor shown to promote the expression of externalizing behavior (Zuckerman, 2007). Logically, individuals who have high levels of sensation seeking may be prone to engage in behavior that is emotionally arousing or exciting such as delinquent or aggressive acts, a possibility largely supported by previous research (Harden et al., 2012;Mann et al., 2015;Wilson & Scarpa, 2011). Given that the expression of externalizing behavior has been shown to be an antecedent to substance use (Dodge et al., 2009), we propose that sensation seeking may also be related indirectly to adolescent substance use through the externalizing pathway. ...
Adolescent marijuana use has become increasingly more problematic compared with the past; thus, understanding developmental processes that increase the liability of marijuana use is essential. Two developmental pathways to adolescent substance use have been proposed: an externalizing pathway that emphasizes the expression of aggressive and delinquent behavior, and an internalizing pathway that emphasizes the role of depressive symptoms and negative affect. In this study, we aimed to examine the synergistic role of impulsiveness and sensation seeking in the two risk pathways to determine whether both high and low levels of the traits are risk factors for marijuana use. Our study included 343 adolescents (52% were girls, 78% identified as Hispanic) that oversampled high-risk youth (78% had a family history of substance use disorder), assessed biannually between the ages of 13-16 years old. Moderated mediation analyses revealed that high levels of sensation seeking indirectly predicted marijuana use through higher mean levels of externalizing behavior. The positive relationship between sensation seeking and externalizing behavior was only significant at high levels of impulsiveness. Conversely, low levels of sensation seeking indirectly predicted marijuana use through higher mean levels of internalizing behavior. The negative relationship between sensation seeking and internalizing behavior was only significant at low levels of impulsiveness. Collectively, these results demonstrate that high and low levels of both impulsiveness and sensation seeking confer increased risk of marijuana use, albeit through different mechanisms. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
... Sensation seeking, as a key individual difference, may strengthen the association between deviant peer affiliation and NSSI. Prior research elucidated that sensation seeking could moderate the relationship between a risky environment and antisocial behaviors [30][31][32]. For instance, sensation seeking interacted with deviant peer affiliation to predict drug use in a sample of Chinese reform school students [33]. ...
Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is an emerging health problem among adolescents. Although previous studies have shown that deviant peer affiliation is an important risk factor for this behavior, the reasons for this relationship are unclear. Based on the integrated theoretical model of the development and maintenance of NSSI and the social development model of delinquency prevention, this study tested whether depression mediated the relationship between deviant peer affiliation and NSSI and whether this mediating effect was moderated by sensation seeking. A sample of 854 Chinese adolescents (31.50% male; Mage = 16.35; SD = 1.15) anonymously completed questionnaires on the study variables. Results of regression-based analyses showed that depression mediated the association between deviant peer affiliation and NSSI, and this effect was stronger among adolescents who reported high sensation seeking. The results demonstrate the role of individual differences in the link between affiliation with deviant peers and NSSI, and have implications for preventing and treating this risky behavior.
... Sensation seeking is generally defined as the tendency to seek new and intense sensations and experiences, and the willingness to take risks for those experiences (Castellanos-Ryan & Conrod, 2012;Zuckerman, 1979). Similar to the results with impulsivity, a study of 13-to 17-year-old adolescents found a significant interaction of parental knowledge and rule-setting with sensation seeking in the prediction of delinquency, another correlate of substance use (Armstrong & Costello, 2002;, which showed that low levels of parental knowledge and rule-setting were associated with higher levels of delinquency in high sensation seekers (Mann, Kretsch, Tackett, Harden, & Tucker-Drob, 2015). In contrast, a study found that between 13.4 and 16 years, parental knowledge and rulesetting were associated with higher levels of cannabis use was greater for adolescents with lower levels of sensation seeking (Epstein et al., 2017). ...
Les interactions personne-environnement dans la prédiction de la consommation de substances peuvent être interprétées selon plusieurs modèles théoriques. Le modèle de la diathèse-stress propose que certains individus (p.ex., individus impulsifs) aient une consommation de substances plus élevée que leurs pairs lorsqu’exposés à des environnements négatifs. Le modèle de la sensibilité différentielle propose que ces mêmes individus aient également une consommation de substances plus faible que leurs pairs lorsqu’exposés à des environnements positifs. L’objectif principal de la présente thèse est d’examiner les modèles de la diathèse-stress et de la sensibilité différentielle dans le contexte d’interactions entre le tempérament et l’environnement familial dans la prédiction de la consommation de substances à l’adolescence. Elle comporte quatre articles, soit une recension systématique des écrits, deux articles empiriques et une perspective.
Le premier article présente une revue systématique de la littérature sur les interactions entre le tempérament et l’environnement familial dans la prédiction de la consommation de substances et des comportements extériorisés à l’adolescence. Les résultats montrent que les interactions entre le tempérament et l’environnement familial mesurés à l’enfance appuient le modèle de la sensibilité différentielle alors que les interactions entre ces facteurs mesurés à l’adolescence appuient le modèle de la diathèse-stress. Les analyses a posteriori concernant l’appui des modèles étant limitées sur le plan méthodologique, les deux articles suivants examinent ces effets a priori.
Le deuxième article examine les interactions entre le tempérament (impulsivité et contrôle inhibiteur à 6 ans) et les pratiques parentales (pratiques maternelles coercitives à 6 ans et supervision parentale à 14 ans) dans la prédiction de la fréquence de consommation d’alcool à 15 ans. Les résultats montrent qu’une interaction entre l’impulsivité et les pratiques coercitives appuie le modèle de la sensibilité différentielle, ce qui appuie les conclusions de la revue de littérature.
Le troisième article examine les interactions entre la personnalité (impulsivité et recherche de sensations à 15 ans) et la supervision parentale à 15 ans dans la prédiction de la fréquence de consommation d’alcool et de drogues à 15 et 17 ans. Les résultats montrent que les interactions entre l’impulsivité et la supervision parentale appuient le modèle de la sensibilité différentielle alors que les interactions entre la recherche de sensations et la supervision parentale appuient la diathèse-stress. Ainsi, le changement développemental observé dans la revue de littérature est appuyé avec l’impulsivité, mais la recherche de sensations pourrait s’avérer un facteur capturant la sensibilité aux environnements positifs et négatifs plus tard dans le développement.
Le quatrième article va au-delà des comportements extériorisés et de la consommation de substances et propose comment le modèle de la sensibilité différentielle pourrait s’appliquer à l’étiologie du trouble de la personnalité limite. L’article présente comment plusieurs caractéristiques personnelles associées au trouble de la personnalité limite (p.ex., réactivité émotionnelle, impulsivité) pourraient refléter une sensibilité aux environnements positifs et négatifs.
Suite à ces quatre articles, la discussion de la thèse aborde des points clés tels : une révision de la notion de vulnérabilité, l’importance de la prévention ciblée et l’importance d’analyser de façon détaillée les effets d’interaction.
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Person-environment interactions predicting substance use can be interpreted according to several developmental theoretical models. The diathesis-stress model suggests that certain individuals (e.g., impulsive individuals) would have higher substance use levels compared to their peers when they are exposed to negative environments. The differential susceptibility model suggests that these same individuals would also have lower substance use levels than their peers when exposed to positive environments. The main objective of this thesis is to examine the diathesis-stress and differential susceptibility models in the context of interactions between temperament and the familial environment when predicting adolescent substance use. It includes four articles, i.e., one systematic literature review, two empirical studies and one perspective paper.
The first article presents a systematic literature review on the interaction between temperament and the familial environment in the prediction of adolescent substance use and externalizing behaviors. Results show that interactions between temperament and the familial environment measured in childhood support the differential susceptibility model while interactions between temperament and the familial environment measured in adolescence support the diathesis-stress model. Since the a posteriori analyses for the models were limited methodologically, the next two articles examined the patterns of interactions a priori.
The second article examines the interaction between temperament (impulsivity and inhibitory control at 6 years) and parenting practices (maternal coercive parenting at 6 years and parental knowledge at 14 years) in the prediction of alcohol use frequency at 15 years. Results show that an interaction between impulsivity and coercive parenting supports the differential susceptibility model. Thus, results support the findings of the literature review. The third article examines the interactions between personality (impulsivity and sensation seeking at 15 years) and parental knowledge at 15 years in the prediction of binge drinking frequency and drug use frequency at 15 and 17 years. Results show that the interactions between impulsivity and parental knowledge support the differential susceptibility model whereas the interactions between sensation seeking and parental knowledge support the diathesis-stress model. Thus, the developmental shift observed in the literature is supported for impulsivity, but sensation seeking could be a characteristic capturing sensitivity to positive and negative environments later in development.
The fourth article offers a perspective that goes beyond adolescent externalizing behavior and substance use and proposes how the differential susceptibility model could apply to borderline personality disorder. The article presents how several personal characteristics associated with borderline personality disorder (e.g., emotional reactivity, impulsivity) could be markers of a sensitivity to positive and negative environments.
Following these four articles, the discussion addresses key points such as: a revision of the notion of vulnerability, the importance of targeted prevention and the importance of thorough analyses of interaction effects.
... Furthermore, a plethora of studies has highlighted that these types of problems are connected to both sensation seeking and gambling severity. In particular, sensation seeking has been found to be a predictor of a wide range of externalizing problem behaviors in adolescence [23,37] and is strongly related with antisocial and delinquent behavior [38][39][40]. ...
Gambling is a widespread phenomenon during adolescence. Among different risk factors involved in the onset of adolescent gambling behaviors, one factor that is studied is the sensation seeking personality trait. However, the literature is heterogeneous and a direct relationship between sensation seeking and gaming behaviors has not always been highlighted. This suggests that the relationship can be influenced by other factors. In particular, we explored the moderating role of externalizing problems in this relationship. A total of 363 adolescents (232 males and 131 females) aged 14 to 20 (M = 16.35, SD = 1.36) completed a battery of questionnaires aimed to assess their gambling behaviors, as well as the levels of externalizing problems and sensation seeking. The results showed that sensation seeking was associated with gambling severity, but this relationship was significant when externalizing problems were high and medium. On the contrary, when externalizing problems were low, the relationship between sensation seeking and gambling severity was not significant. Overall, sensation seeking in adolescence can favor the implementation of risk behaviors, such as gambling, but only in association with the presence of externalizing problems. Limitations, strengths, and social and clinical implications of the present study are discussed.
... These social dynamics are importantly linked to risk-taking behaviors. Adolescents' social relationships and environments (e.g., parental monitoring and peer deviancy) can exacerbate or mitigate more individually-based factors of risk-taking, such as sensation seeking (Mann et al., 2015). ...
... As far as we are aware, these moderation effects on aggressive behavior have not been previously examined, but other studies have described similar moderation effects of deviant peers on the association between personality and other externalizing behaviors like delinquency. 51,52 Overall, our data better fitted those approaches to aggression that place more emphasis on the complex interaction effects between biodispositional variables such as personality, together with social variables, such as peers, like the catalyst model, 1 or the biopsychosocial approach proposed by Tremblay et al. 7 . In relation to the role of violent videogames on aggressive behavior, in the present study VVGE did not present any additive effect, cross-sectionally or longitudinally. ...
The impact of violent video game exposure (VVGE) on aggressive behaviors has been extensively explored, but still remains controversial. While some studies have shown slight, detrimental short-term effects of VVGE, other studies have failed to find any consequence. In addition, the existence of long-lasting effects on aggressiveness, or their impact on adolescents, are still not well established. One limitation of most of these studies is that they do not control for other important risk variables for aggressive behaviors, such as personality and deviant peers, nor have they investigated the possible moderation role of these risk factors in the link between VVGE and aggression. Therefore, the main aim was to examine the additive and interactive role of VVGE, personality and deviant peers in adolescent aggressive behaviors cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Many regression analyses and a cross-lagged autoregressive model were carried out. At both waves, aggressive behavior was predicted by having deviant peers and specific personality traits, especially low agreeableness. VVGE also presented a slight but significant effect at both waves, but it became nonsignificant when controlling for other variables. No long-term effects on the relation between VVGE and aggressive behaviors were found. Some moderation effects were consistently found at both waves: when participants reported having more deviant peers, the effects of VVGE and low agreeableness on aggressive behaviors significantly increased. These findings suggest that multiple biopsychosocial variables and their complex interplay need to be examined to gain a better understanding of the origin and expression of aggressive behavior
... Indeed, during adolescence, parental monitoring knowledge (information parents obtain about adolescents' whereabouts, activities, and associates; Anderson and Branstetter 2012;Stattin and Kerr 2000) becomes especially salient given adolescents' increasing independence and autonomy. Yet, investigations of the associations between monitoring knowledge and internalizing symptoms has received much less attention (Fröjd et al. 2007;Yap and Jorm 2015) compared to the relatively well-established literature on parental knowledge and reduced externalizing symptoms (e.g., Mann et al. 2015; for a meta-analysis see Hoeve et al. 2009). ...
The present study investigated baseline respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) as moderator of the prospective association between parenting (i.e., monitoring knowledge, psychological control) and internalizing symptoms among typically developing adolescents across the transition to middle school. Gender differences in the aforementioned association were tested as an exploratory aim. At Time 1 (5th grade), participants included 100 young adolescents (53% boys; 57% European American; Mage = 11.05 years, SD = 0.33) and their mothers (Mage = 41.25 years, SD = 6.22; 96.0% biological). At Time 2 (6th grade), 89 adolescents and their mothers returned. To address study aims, a multi-informant, multi-method, longitudinal design was used. At Time 1, mothers reported on monitoring knowledge and psychological control, and adolescents’ baseline RSA was measured during a resting baseline period. At Times 1 and 2, adolescents reported on three indices of internalizing symptoms (depressive symptoms, social anxiety, loneliness and social dissatisfaction). Results from multiple regression analyses revealed that higher levels of psychological control predicted higher levels of depressive symptoms and loneliness over time. Further, among boys, lower baseline RSA exacerbated the link between maternal psychological control and higher levels of depressive symptoms and loneliness, whereas higher baseline RSA attenuated the effect. Overall, our findings for boys were consistent with prior evidence of lower baseline RSA as a risk factor and higher baseline RSA as a protective factor against psychopathology. Findings contribute to the growing literature on biopsychosocial interactions and youth mental health.
... Given these inconsistent findings, research has begun to examine conditions under which active monitoring might be more or less effective in fostering adolescents' psychosocial adjustment. For instance, studies considered the interplay of active monitoring with families' sociodemographic background and context (e.g., SES and neighborhood safety; Bacchini et al. 2011;Rekker et al. 2017), with adolescents' peer context (Musci et al. 2015), with adolescent characteristics such as gender (e.g., Kincaid et al. 2012;Villarreal and Nelson 2018) and personalitybased or temperamental traits (e.g., Crocetti et al. 2016;Mann et al. 2015; Thompson et al. 2015), and even with genetic markers of susceptibility to environmental influences (e.g., Salvatore et al. 2015;Trucco et al. 2016). ...
Over the last few years, the protective role of parental monitoring on adolescent adjustment (i.e., active parental efforts aimed at setting limits and tracking adolescents’ activities and whereabouts) has been challenged. Recent research has shifted attention to the conditions under which monitoring may be more or less effective. Grounded in Self-Determination Theory, this study investigated the role of parents’ autonomy-supportive and psychologically controlling parenting in effects of parental monitoring on adolescents’ adjustment. It also considered the role of adolescents’ clinical status (i.e., clinically referred vs non-referred). Adopting a person-centered approach, we aimed to identify naturally occurring profiles of monitoring, autonomy-support, and psychological control and to examine differences between these profiles in terms of life satisfaction, positive affect, and internalizing and externalizing problems. Participants included 218 referred (Mage = 14.44, 56% girls) and 218 matched adolescents from a larger sample of 1056 community (Mage = 14.83, 52.9% girls). Multigroup Latent Profile Analyses revealed five parenting profiles which were structurally equivalent in both samples: high monitoring with either high autonomy support or high psychological control, low monitoring with either high autonomy-support or high psychological control, and an average profile. Referred youth were significantly more present in the average profile and in the profiles characterized by high levels of psychological control. As hypothesized, profiles showed a differential association with adolescents’ self-reported adjustment, with the high monitoring—high autonomy support profile yielding the most optimal and the low monitoring—high psychological control profile yielding the worst outcomes. Associations between profiles and outcomes were similar for referred and non-referred adolescents. These findings highlight the importance of considering the parenting climate (i.e., autonomy-supportive versus psychologically controlling) to understand effects of parental monitoring during adolescence.
... 4 At best, studies rigorously examine multiple factors that mediate relationships between parental monitoring and crime (e.g., Janssen 2015); however, it is important to emphasize that mediating factors are not mechanisms (Elster 2007;Hedström and Ylikoski 2010), and that testing the relative contribution of factors (representing for example, individual and environmental influences) assesses only additive and not interactive processes (Hardie forthcoming,c;Wikström and Treiber 2017). 5 Some studies hold initial promise for the study of the role of parental monitoring in interactive situational processes (e.g., Ishoy 2017;Janssen, Weerman, and Eichelsheim 2017;Mann et al. 2015); however, they suffer from one or more problems, ultimately due to the lack of a suitable guiding framework. Levels of explanation are conflated, processes are mis-specified, definitions of key variables are unspecific and therefore concepts are poorly operationalized (Hardie forthcoming,b). ...
FULL ARTICLE: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01639625.2019.1673924
FOR THOSE WITHOUT ACCESS: https://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/SQI3XZZSSTMTPFRXMRF9/full?target=10.1080/01639625.2019.1673924
ABSTRACT: Parental monitoring is often shown to have a negative relationship with crime involvement. However, research often ignores both the mechanism by which these relationships occur and the conditions under which they might (and might not) be found. Building on the interactional hypotheses of Situational Action Theory (SAT) and the parental monitoring definitions provided by a new model of Goal-Directed Parental Action (GDPA), this paper assesses evidence of the role of the presence or absence of guardians, adolescent-perceived parental knowledge and personal crime propensity in explaining why a crime does or doesn’t occur in a particular situation. To test these new hypotheses, this paper uses specialist data (including innovative Space-Time Budget data) from the Peterborough Adolescent and Young Adult Development Study (PADS+) and employs multiple methods to assess both statistical interaction (dependence) and situational interaction (convergence).
Findings provide evidence for interaction between key personal characteristics (specifically, generalised law relevant morality and ability to exercise self control) and features of environments (in this study, aspects of parental monitoring) in the perception-choice process that is proposed by SAT to explain action, including acts of crime. They suggest that despite high correlations with crime in the literature, monitoring doesn’t always matter because many crime averse young people do not offend anyway. Furthermore, in an entirely new finding, generalised perceived parental knowledge of the circumstances of activity (psychological presence) results in a lower rate of crime among crime prone adolescents when they are unsupervised.
... Within a certain period of time, children and adolescent who grew up under these risky circumstances tend to be more fragile, have low level of resilience and social efficiency. These characteristics make the child fail to adjust their behavior when facing a stressful situation, and they are at risk to engaging in problematic behavior including involving in criminal behavior in future (Rovis, Bezinovic, Basic, 2015;Mann, Kretsch, Tackett, Harden, Tucker-Drob, 2015). ...
The aim of this experimental study is to determine the effect of early psychoeducational intervention process through Primary School’s Psychoeducational Cognitive Behavior Module (MPpKTSR) on psychological aspects (resilience, motivation, depression and coping skills). First phase of this study involved 160 participants who have Marker System characteristics. While second phase involved 80 subject (40 males; 40 females) who had been chosen from the result of the first phase based on few criteria (low level of resilience, motivation and coping skill; high level of depression). These criteria were measure through Instrumen Remaja Berisiko Sekolah Rendah (IRBSR). They were divided into two group (treatment and control group). Through ANCOVA analysis that have been conducted, MPpKTSR have positive impact where this module effectively increases the level of resilience, motivation and coping skill, and reduce depression level among subject in treatment group (male and female). As the conclusion, an early intervention as a way to overcome problematic issues among primary school students is recommended.
... For others, social or group affiliations may lead to exploration of and commitment to different ideologies. Established relationships can provide mutual validation for thought and action (Malthaner and Lindekilde, 2017). Collective ritual behaviours may be particularly important for enhancing group commitment and support of the in-group in social conflicts (Watson-Jones and Legare, 2016). ...
The UK faces a complex and evolving threat of violent extremism (VE) and terrorism (see
Glossary for definition of terms). These severe and often indiscriminate acts of violence have far-reaching and devastating individual and population health effects, impacting the wellbeing of the public across all aspects of society and contributing to the erosion of social trust and the spread of prejudice and fear. The current criminal justice framework in the UK targets those most at risk of developing violent extremist ideologies; often within the criminal space (see section 1.3). However, drawing on learning and principles from public health offers an opportunity to extend our understanding of risk and protective factors for violent extremist ideologies. Such an approach supports prevention policies and programmes that work upstream to address the multitude of needs individuals vulnerable to VE may have, and also work on a universal footprint to promote societies and communities that are cohesive, resilient and free from the appeals of violence. To explore the opportunities and support for a UK-wide public health response to extremist violence that complements existing criminal justice strategies, this document provides a briefing on the extent, broader impacts and risk and protective factors for VE. It then suggests options for the future development of a public health approach to preventing VE.
... For others, social or group affiliations may lead to exploration of and commitment to different ideologies. Established relationships can provide mutual validation for thought and action (Malthaner and Lindekilde, 2017). Collective ritual behaviours may be particularly important for enhancing group commitment and support of the in-group in social conflicts (Watson-Jones and Legare, 2016). ...
This report aims to provide a briefing on the extent and impacts of violent extremism in the UK, our current understanding of risk and protective factors, and emerging practice for prevention. The report applies public health principles in considering a life course perspective for individual vulnerability and the impact of issues such as childhood adversity, social isolation and acculturative stress, whilst at the same time using the prevention paradox to understand the need to work on a universal footprint and build resilient and cohesive communities that are free from the appeals of violence.
... Despite empirical research on externalizing deviance (Mann, Kretsch, Tackett, Harden, & Tucker-Drob, 2015;Van Ryzin & Dishion, 2014), the psychological mechanisms underlying the relationship between internalizing deviance and strainful social dynamics are less well understood. The current study addresses this need for theory via Agnew's (1992) General Strain Theory (GST) that can guide a theoretically precise direction on suicidal behavior (Agnew, 1998). ...
This study employed a latent class analysis to identify heterogeneous subgroups of suicide ideation membership among Korean youth. Findings are measured by the longitudinal mediation test to estimate temporal-precedence, relating prior strainful social dynamics to negative emotionality and later suicide ideation. Using three-wave panel data, Korean youth were classified into three subgroups: serious-risk (16%), moderate-risk (12%), and low-/non-risk suicide ideation (72%). Results revealed that the odds of being a member in a serious-risk suicide ideation group were greater for youth who were bullied than those who were not when compared to a low-/non-risk ideation group. Also, the odds of being a member in a serious-risk suicide ideation group were higher for youth who felt negative emotions than those who did not relative to low-/non-risk ideation group. Further, negative emotionality fully mediated the relationship between bullying victimization and suicide ideation, conditional on a serious-risk ideation group.
... Despite empirical research on externalizing deviance (Mann, Kretsch, Tackett, Harden, & Tucker- Drob, 2015;Van Ryzin & Dishion, 2014), the psychological mechanisms underlying the relationship between internalizing deviance and strainful social dynamics are less well understood. The current study addresses this need for theory via Agnew's (1992) General Strain Theory (GST) that can guide a theoretically precise direction on suicidal behavior (Agnew, 1998). ...
Research suggests that various strains contribute to suicidal ideation, and the source of strain often indirectly affects suicidal ideation through negative affective states. The current study examines if the mediating effects of negative emotions from multiple strains is non-zero, and the extent to which negative emotions transmits the effect of multiple strains on suicidal ideation. Self-reported data from a sample of Korean youth are analyzed in the mediation tests conducted here. Results indicate that bullying victimization, child abuse, and peer conflict have a direct effect on suicidal ideation in the causal steps analysis. However, the direct effects disappear when using the causal steps approach which accounts for the mediating effect of negative emotions. Overall, it appears that various strains indirectly effect suicidal ideation through negative emotions. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.
... These environments reciprocally influence their behavior, thus reinforcing and magnifying initial genetically based differences between people . For example, adolescents with genetic propensities toward sensation seeking might select more deviant peer groups, and these peer groups might, in turn, facilitate rule-breaking (Harden, Quinn, & Tucker-Drob, 2012;Mann, Kretsch, Tackett, Harden, & Tucker-Drob, 2015). As children are given more autonomy to select their own environments over development, transactional processes will compound, amplifying earlier genetic influences on rule-breaking. ...
Symptoms of anxiety and depression are commonly comorbid and partially share a genetic etiology. Mean levels of anxiety and depression increase over the transition to adolescence, particularly in girls, suggesting a possible role of pubertal development in the activation of underlying genetic risks. The current study examined how genetic and environmental influences on anxiety and depression differed by chronological age and pubertal status. We analyzed composite scores from child self-reports and parent informant-reports of internalizing symptomology in a racially and socioeconomically diverse sample of 1,913 individual twins from 1,006 pairs (ages 8-20 years) from the Texas Twin Project. Biometric models tested age and pubertal status as moderators of genetic and environmental influences shared between and specific to anxiety and depression to determine whether etiology of internalizing symptomology differs across development as a function of age or puberty. Genetic influences did not increase as a function of age or puberty, but instead shared environmental effects decreased with age. In an exploratory model that considered the moderators simultaneously, developmental differences in etiology were reflected in genetic and environmental effects unique to depression. Results suggest that genetic variance in internalizing problems is relatively constant during adolescence, with environmental influences more varied across development.
... Past literature has demonstrated the effects of interpersonal resources in preventing childhood problem behaviors, mainly stressing the role of parental, teacher, and peer supports (Ayón, 2011). On the one hand, studies have demonstrated that delinquency is associated with poor communications with parents and friends (Mann, Kretsch, Tackett, Harden, & Tucker-Drob, 2015), and victims of violent delinquency reported lower material and emotional support from parents and teachers than the non-involved (Janssen, Eichelsheim, Deković, & Bruinsma, 2016;Pinquart, 2017). On the other hand, it is found that the negative behavioral impacts of victimization and bullying are buffered by children's positive relationship with parents and friends (Bollmer, Milich, Harris, & Maras, 2005;Dinizulu et al., 2014). ...
The present study aims to explore the clustered nature in problem behaviors of victims of school bullying and how the problem behavior patterns are associated with intrapersonal and interpersonal resources. Using a wave of cross-sectional data from rural China, 262 victims (aged 12 to 16) were identified through the Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire. Based on the nomination of twelve local experienced teachers and social workers, a list containing ten problem behaviors was compiled. Latent class modeling was applied to examine the latent structure of victims’ problem behaviors. Three latent groups were identified according to the list, namely the externalizing and internalizing behaviors group (Class 1), the internalizing behaviors group (Class 2), and the less-affected group (Class 3). The associations between problem behavior patterns and intrapersonal and interpersonal resources were tested using multinomial regression modeling. We found that higher depressive symptoms, lower self-efficacy, not living with parents, and fewer helpful friends were associated with more likelihood of falling into the Class 1 and/or the Class 2, while perceived supports from teachers did not predict the problem behavior patterns of victims of school bullying. Results of the present study shed lights on the patterns of problem behaviors of victims in the developing world, providing a useful baseline from which future studies can further explore interventions for victims of school bullying with different patterns of problem behaviors.
In a world where smoke meets innovation, a sizzling trend has taken the stage by storm - E-cigarettes! As these sleek devices spark fascination and controversy alike, the rising wave of vaping and its electrifying impact on society is equally enormous. E-cigarette usage continues to grow in Pakistan and there is a scarcity of research examining the specific psychological factors associated with delinquent behavior among users. Therefore, this study investigates the influence of impulsivity and sensation-seeking on delinquent behavior among Pakistani E-cigarette users, while examining the mediating role of emotional neglect. Using a cross-sectional approach, data were collected from a sample of Pakistani E-cigarette-using adolescents aged 11-19 years old. The research employed questionnaires such as Barrat’s Impulsivity Scale (BIS), Brief Sensation Seeking Scale (BSSS), revised Self-reported Delinquency Scale (SRDS), and Emotional Neglect Scale (ENS) to gather quantitative data, respectively. Statistical software (SPSS) was used to analyze quantitative data. The findings reveal a significant positive correlation between sensation seeking and impulsivity and sensation seeking and delinquency. However, with delinquency, impulsivity had an insignificant, positive relationship. Moreover, emotional neglect was found to mediate the relationship between impulsivity and delinquent behavior. However, no mediation was found between sensation seeking and delinquent behavior. In conclusion, the current study provides valuable insights into the predictive role of impulsivity and sensation-seeking in delinquent behavior among Pakistani E-cigarette users. The mediating role of emotional neglect highlights the complex interplay between individual characteristics and environmental factors in the context of E-cigarette use and delinquency.
Purpose The term ‘technoference’ refers to habitual interferences and disruptions within interpersonal relationships or time spent together due to use of technological devices. Evidence suggests that parental technoference may predispose children’s internalising and externalising behaviours. The aim of this scoping review is to summarise existing literature on the impact of parental technoference on the mental health and deviant behaviours of young people.
Methods A scoping review of literature was undertaken across six databases (APA PsycINFO, MEDLINE, ASSIA, ERIC, Social Sciences Premium Collection, SciTech Premium). Searches included articles examining the impact of parental technoference on adolescent mental health and deviant behaviours. All included studies demonstrated empirical findings.
Results Searches retrieved 382 articles, of which 13 articles met the eligibility criteria. A narrative approach was applied to synthesise the eligible findings. Across all studies, adolescent perceptions of parental technoference were negatively associated to adolescent mental health and were positively related to adolescent deviant behaviours. Parental cohesion and psychological constructs were identified as significant mediating factors.
Conclusion Findings suggest that parents should be aware of the environment in which they use electronic devices as their use can, directly and indirectly, influence adolescent mental health and behaviours. Further research into the impact of parental technoference could inform evidence-informed guidelines for parental management of electronic devices.
Purpose
The rapid shift in the emerging pedagogies of customer behavior has changed the business preferences in the hotel sector. This study prioritizes the hotel's main task to develop customer re-patronage intention. Keeping in line with these factors, this study investigates the impact of customer empowerment on re-patronage intentions through customer value co-creation in the hotel sector of Pakistan. Furthermore, the study examines the moderating impact of sensation-seeking on customers.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 350 potential customers participated in the online survey using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Partial least square structural equation modeling was employed using Smart PLS-3 to test the projected hypotheses.
Findings
This study reveals that empowered customers improve their behavior and involvement in value co-creation, which, in turn, increases the prospects of re-patronage intention. Moreover, sensation-seeking moderates between consumer empowerment and customer value co-creation.
Research limitations/implications
Customer-dominant logic and sense-making theory present interesting insights where customer empowerment and value co-creation have a positively significant impact on customer re-patronage intention. Findings also elaborate on a significant mediating role of customer value co-creation activities, which is an interesting call for hotel managers to add thought-sharing ecosystems. The suggested factors add long-lasting results in terms of revenues, performance and global GDP.
Practical implications
It provides guidance for the hotel managers through novel factors that activate the customer to augment an intention to re-patron. Moreover, it provides a direction to add sensation-seeking strategies that strengthen the effects on customer empowerment and value co-creation.
Originality/value
This study has its uniqueness in introducing an environment in hotels where customers are empowered to further actively participate in value co-creation initiatives, along with sensation-seeking acting as a stimulus among them. These factors have greatly impacted the hotel's objectives (i.e. re-patronage intention).
This study examines self-reported violations of emergent norms and regulations regarding COVID-19 mitigation and social hygiene practices among a sample of high school students randomly selected from public schools in Rasht, Iran. The study seeks to explain these COVID-19 ordinance violations through the application of Agnew’s general integrated theory of crime. Findings demonstrate that life domains, motivations, and constraints have a direct effect on COVID-19 misbehavior. Moreover, life domains have an indirect effect on COVID-19 misbehavior through both constraints and motivations. Finally, the relationship between motivations and COVID-19 misbehavior is moderated by the peers domain, whereas the relationship between constraints and COVID-19 misbehavior is moderated by the family domain and school domain.
Parenting is a critical influence on the development of children across the globe. This handbook brings together scholars with expertise on parenting science and interventions for a comprehensive review of current research. It begins with foundational theories and research topics, followed by sections on parenting children at different ages, factors that affect parenting such as parental mental health or socioeconomic status, and parenting children with different characteristics such as depressed and anxious children or youth who identify as LGBTQ. It concludes with a section on policy implications, as well as prevention and intervention programs that target parenting as a mechanism of change. Global perspectives and the cultural diversity of families are highlighted throughout. Offering in-depth analysis of key topics such as risky adolescent behavior, immigration policy, father engagement, family involvement in education, and balancing childcare and work, this is a vital resource for understanding the most effective policies to support parents in raising healthy children.
Risky behaviors such as substance use, unsafe sexual interactions, aggression, and antisocial behavior are often elevated during adolescence and can serve as powerful influences on both youth adjustment and long-term mental and physical health outcomes. The various stages of adolescence, from early adolescence to emerging adulthood, present novel opportunities and challenges, often introducing new risk-taking opportunities. Underlying adolescents’ risk behaviors during this developmental period are extensive cognitive, biological, and social factors including brain development, new and renegotiated relationships, and contextual considerations such as socioeconomic status, community resources, and identity-related stress. Current interventions target risk behaviors at a variety of levels, focusing on individuals, families, schools, and communities, with many of these efforts demonstrating success with different populations. Future research and prevention efforts will continue to benefit from targeting multiple co-occurring behaviors, considering social influences of underserved groups facing disparities in risk-taking behaviors, culturally adapting interventions, and including other caregivers such as fathers.
Much of adolescent morbidity and mortality is associated with risk taking behaviors that are largely preventable. Adolescents establish patterns of behaviors, related to diet, physical activity, substance use, and sexual activity—that impact their health now and well into their future. Thus, it is particularly important to understand factors that shape adolescent health behaviors. Parents and peers have a profound influence which evolves as children transition through childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood. In this chapter, a socio-ecological model provides a framework for understanding the multi-directional, complex, and dynamic influence of individual characteristics and parental and peer influence on the development of adolescent health risk behaviors. Promoting optimal adolescent health involves investments in research, interventions, and public policies at each level of influence.
In this chapter, the results of our previous research, which investigated the impact of substance use on family relationships, are verified. The factors that influenced the development of SUDs in individuals in the research sample are explained. A broader context reflects the impact of parental substance use problems on children, parenting capacity, family structure, and adolescent substance use. The case reports of informants are included in the chapter to exemplify it. Machine-generated summaries of 5 relevant scientific papers are included at the end of the chapter.
Little research has examined the relevance of peer influences for impacting development of dual systems model constructs and examined protective factors in these relationships among adolescents (Ages: 14-26; ∼86% male). This study examined the relevance of deviant peer association for predicting development of sensation-seeking and impulse control and the moderating role of resistance to peer influence. The Pathways to Desistance data were analyzed. Mixed effects models examined the direct effect of deviant peer association on impulse control and sensation-seeking and determine whether resistance to peer influence moderated these relationships. Findings indicated that greater deviant peer association was associated with increased sensation-seeking and lower impulse control. Resistance to peer influence buffered the effects of deviant peer association on impulse control, as indicated by a significant and negative coefficient. Additional analyses indicated that this moderation effect was only relevant at lower levels of deviant peer association. Moderation was not observed for sensation-seeking.
Introduction:
Although poor parental supervision has been associated with an increased adolescents' propensity for risk-taking behavior, few researchers have investigated nuanced mechanisms of how and for whom from the perspective of "family × school." Inspired by ecological system theory and self-control theory, this study aimed to investigate the mediating role of self-control and the moderating role of school climate between the link between poor parental supervision and risk-taking behavior.
Methods:
Four hundred and ninety-one Chinese adolescents (231 females, Mage = 15.39 ± 1.36) were recruited to participate in a three-wave longitudinal study (3 months apart) and complete questionnaires regarding poor parental supervision (W1), school climate (W1), self-control (W2), and risk-taking behavior (W1/W3).
Results:
After controlling for W1 risk-taking behavior, our moderated mediation model indicated that W1 poor parental supervision was positively related to W3 risk-taking behavior by restraining the development of W2 self-control. Additionally, a high level of school climate as a protective factor buffered the negative impact of poor parental supervision on adolescents' self-control, further reducing risk-taking behavior.
Conclusion:
Our findings shed light on the processing mechanisms between poor parental supervision and risk-taking behavior among Chinese adolescents and underscore the importance of effective preventions and interventions to facilitate adolescents' healthy development.
The objective of the present study was to examine whether different methods for dealing with dependency in meta-analytic structural equation modeling (MASEM) lead to different results. Four different methods for dealing with dependent effect sizes in MASEM were applied to empirical data, including: (1) ignoring dependency; (2) aggregation; (3) elimination; and (4) a multilevel approach. Random-effects two-stage structural equation modeling was conducted for each method separately, and potential moderators were examined using subgroup analysis. Results demonstrated that the different methods of dealing with dependency in MASEM lead to different results. Thus, the decision on which approach should be used in MASEM-analysis should be carefully considered. Given that the multilevel approach is the only approach that includes all available information while explicitly modeling dependency, it is currently the theoretically preferred approach for dealing with dependency in MASEM. Future research should evaluate the multilevel approach with simulated data.
Research in the past decade has highlighted the nuances of adolescent decision making. In this review article, we summarize several themes evident in the field of developmental science including the redefinition of adolescence and the ways in which adolescent decision-making capabilities converge with or diverge from those of adults. While the decision-making process is similar for adolescents and adults in contexts that encourage deliberation and reflection, adolescents and adults differ in contexts which preclude deliberation vis-à-vis high emotional arousal. We also discuss the reconceptualization of adolescent behavior, including risk taking, as adaptive. That is, characteristics of adolescence, including impulsivity, the importance of peers, and novelty seeking, are normative, evolutionarily advantageous, and essential for positive development. While these features manifest in negative, health-compromising ways (e.g., risky driving and criminal behavior), they also foster growth and exploration. We conclude with a discussion of potential avenues for future research.
During adolescence, the frequency of family meals may play an important role in both counteracting risk behaviours (e.g., drugs and alcohol use, delinquency, etc.) and in promoting healthy life-styles. Objective. The aim of the present review is to chronologically order and discuss evidence supporting or disconfirming family mealtime’s effectiveness against adolescents‘ risk behaviours. Method. The present work integrated two search-strategies: scientific databanks strategies and retrospective research on sources. Inter-rater quality assessment was applied to obtain three clusters of literature; pioneering studies about nutritional habits, last decades’ evidence, and challenges for future research. Results. Effectiveness of family mealtime in preventing adolescents’ risk behaviours and in promoting healthy lifestyles and positive outcomes is discussed. Conclusions. Open theoretical and methodological questions emerged such as the lack of scientific consensus on how to measure the family mealtime frequency or the need to provide qualitative assessments about the family mealtime experience, among others.
The aim of the current study is to explore the mechanism by which deviant peer affiliation affects substance abusers’ substance abstention motivation and the mediating role of perceived social support in the relationship between these concepts. Moreover, we also investigated whether collective identity moderates the relations among deviant peer affiliation, perceived social support, and substance rehabilitation. The participants were 430 male substance abstainers who completed a battery of questionnaires. The Chinese versions of the Deviant Peer Affiliation Questionnaire, Motivation for Abstention Scale, Perceived Social Support Scale and Identity Orientation Scale were used. The results showed that all the dimensions of deviant peer affiliation were negatively associated with the dimensions of substance abstention motivation. Moreover, perceived social support partially mediated the relations between deviant peer affiliation and substance abstention motivation. Additionally, collective identity was a significant moderator of the relations between perceived social support and substance abstention motivation. These findings provide a clearer understanding regarding the impact of deviant peer affiliation and perceived social support on substance abstention motivation in individuals with substance use disorder.
Tulisan ini menjelaskan secara teoritis terkait kedamaian bathin remaja denga perilaku delinkuen ditinjau dari presfektif psikologi. Dapat disimpulkan bahwa remaja dengan perilaku delikuen agar memiliki kedamaian bathin diharapkan dan harus adanya dukungan sosial dari semua pihak diantaranya (1) adanya komunikasi sekolah dengan orangtua secara intensif untuk mengetahui kondisi remaja (siswa) ketika di sekolah ; (2) dukungan belajar yang kuat dari orangtua, guru dan sekolah sangat diharapkan karena remaja dengan perilaku delikuen memerlukan perhatian yang lebih agar proses belajar dapat berjalan dengan baik dan memiliki nilai-nilai budi pekerti yang baik pula; (3) ketersediaan fasilitas yang membantu remaja untuk mendapatkan perubahan seperti melalui pendekatan agama (membaca al-Qur’an dan adanya kajian dari makna al-Qur’an secara intensif) hal ini dilakukan secara bertahap dan memerlukan waktu yang cukup lama serta guru harus memiliki kesabaran dalam melaksanakan tugas ini.
Disease transmission across borders may occur during the context of international travel and is a critical public health arena for study. This study examined the associations between personality factors (sensation seeking and impulsivity) and international travellers’ engagement in high-risk sexual behaviours during their trip(s) abroad. Overall, we found that the profile of high-risk and non-high-risk international travellers were statistically significantly different (i.e. high-risk international travellers had a higher tendency for sensation seeking and impulsivity; had a greater number of lifetime sexual partners; were more likely to be male, non-White, younger, non-married or not in a committed relationship, gay, lesbian or bisexual; and had lower educational attainment). Variables that positively predicted participants’ high-risk sexual behaviours were measures of impulsivity, number of sexual partners, gender (i.e. being male), and educational attainment. The participants’ age, however, was negatively associated with their high-risk sexual behaviours. Our study concurs with previous research findings suggesting that sensation seeking and impulsive behaviours are related to the practice of high-risk sexual behaviours. Findings from this study can be used to create more translational research in tourism for frequent international travellers.
Based on Social-Cognitive Theory and Person × Environment Interaction Theory, a moderated mediation model was examined to investigate the mediating role of refusal self-efficacy and the moderating role of sensation seeking in the relation between parental control (behavioral control and psychological control)and smoking and drinking in adolescents. A total of 694 7th – 9th grade middle school students in China (M age = 13.67 years, SD = 1.20, 45.0% male)completed a multi-measure questionnaire tapping demographics, parental control, refusal self-efficacy, sensation seeking, and adolescent smoking and drinking. Mediation analyses indicated that higher levels of parental behavioral control related to lower levels of adolescent smoking and drinking via increasing adolescents' refusal self-efficacy; in contrast, higher levels of psychological control related to higher levels of adolescent smoking and drinking via decreasing adolescents' refusal self-efficacy. Furthermore, moderated mediation analyses showed that the association between parental behavioral control and refusal self-efficacy was moderated by individual differences in adolescents' sensation seeking. The indirect associations between parental behavioral control and adolescent smoking and drinking were stronger among students high in sensation seeking. The indirect associations between parental psychological control and adolescent smoking and drinking were not moderated by sensation seeking. Limitations and implications were discussed.
Parental monitoring is commonly accredited as an important protective factor against risky adolescent behaviors. In this meta-analytic review, associations of adolescents' perceptions of parental monitoring with adolescent marijuana use were collected and quantified across 25 independent samples from 17 empirical studies involving 35,367 unique participants. Applying a random-effects model, the average magnitude of effect was r = –.21. The association was significantly stronger in female-only samples (r = –.31 vs. r = –.19, p < .001) and when parental monitoring was defined purely in terms of parental knowledge of the child's whereabouts, activities, and relations (r = –.24 vs. r = –.19, p < .05). Cross-sectional (r = –.23) and longitudinal studies (r = –.10) disclosed significant effect sizes. To assess publication bias, a file-drawer analysis indicated that 7,358 studies of nil effect size would be necessary to render the association of parental monitoring and reduced marijuana usage nonsignificant. Theoretical and practical implications of parental monitoring are discussed, especially issues concerning the measurement of parental monitoring and the possible utility of the construct in curtailing marijuana use.
Socioeconomic position, racial/ethnic minority status, and other characteristics of the macro-environment may be important moderators of genetic influence on a wide array of psychosocial outcomes. Designed to maximize representation of low socioeconomic status families and racial/ethnic minorities, the Texas Twin Project is an ongoing study of school-age twins (preschool through 12th grade) enrolled in public schools in the Austin, Texas and Houston, Texas metropolitan areas. School rosters are used to identify twin families from a target population with sizable populations of African American (18%), Hispanic/Latino (48%), and non-Hispanic White (27%) children and adolescents, over half of whom meet US guidelines for classification as economically disadvantaged. Initial efforts have focused on a large-scale, family-based survey study involving both parent and child reports of personality, psychopathology, physical health, academic interests, parent-child relationships, and aspects of the home environment. In addition, the Texas Twin Project is the basis for an in-laboratory study of adolescent decision-making, delinquency, and substance use. Future directions include geographic expansion of the sample to the entire state of Texas (with a population of over 25 million) and genotyping of participating twins.
This study focuses on the prediction of early adolescent involvement with antisocial peers from boys' experiences in school, family, and behavior at age 10 yrs. 206 boys and their families were assessed at school, interviewed, observed in the home, and then followed up at age 12 yrs. Poor parental discipline and monitoring practices, peer rejection, and academic failure at age 10 yrs were prognostic of involvement with antisocial peers at age 12 yrs. Considerable continuity was also found between the boys' antisocial behavior and contact with antisocial peers at age 10 yrs. After controlling for such continuity, only academic failure and peer rejection remained as significant predictors. These data indicate a need to study the ecological context of deviant peer networks in middle childhood. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
This study examines whether structural properties of friendship net-works condition the association between friends' delinquency and an individual's own delinquent behavior. Data from the Add Health allows a more accurate conceptualization of the peer network and a more rigorous measurement of peer delinquency than previous research. Findings from this study indicate that friends' delinquency is associated with an adolescent's own delinquency involvement. However, characteristics of adolescents' friendship networks, such as its density and adolescents' centrality and popularity, condition the delinquency-peer association. Network density, in particular, emerges as an important component of the delinquency-peer asso-ciation, with very cohesive networks containing stronger delin-quency-peer associations than those that are less cohesive. These findings suggest that it is necessary to consider the underlying struc-tural properties of friendship networks in order to understand the impact of peer influence on adolescent delinquency.
The research investigated the relationships among ageism, sensation-seeking, and risk-taking in young adults. Recent research
has shown that young adults reporting higher levels of ageist attitudes and ageist behaviors also report higher levels of
risk-taking in daily life than those with less ageist attitudes and behaviors (Popham et al. in press). The results are consistent
with terror management theory; young adults may attempt to buffer their death anxiety by seeking out experiences that make
them feel strong and invulnerable (i.e., taking risks). In contrast, prior research has shown that there is a link between
risk-taking and sensation-seeking and that individuals may be biologically predisposed to be high sensation-seekers (Zuckerman
Behavioural and Brain Sciences 7:413–471, 1984; Neuropsychobiology 13:121–128, 1985). In a study with 475 undergraduates, we investigated the relationships among ageism, sensation-seeing, and risk-taking behavior.
The results showed that ageist behavior and two dimensions of sensation-seeking (i.e., Disinhibition and Experience Seeking)
were significant predictors of risk-taking. Implications for practical approaches to reduce risk-taking in young adults are
discussed.
KeywordsAgeism–Risk-taking–Sensation-seeking–Terror management theory–Young adults
Psychological control refers to manipulative parental behavior that intrudes upon the child’s psychological world. During the past decade, socialization research has consistently demonstrated the negative effects of psychologically controlling parenting on children’s and adolescents’ development. However, there has been relatively little advance in our conceptual understanding of this parenting construct. The present overview aims to enrich the theoretical background of the concept of psychological control by relating it to concepts used in self-determination theory. It is argued that this theoretical background allows for (a) a clearer definition of the concept of psychological control, (b) a more refined understanding of the dynamics involved in psychologically controlling parenting, and (c) a greater insight regarding its generalization across age and cultures. Directions for future research are formulated with respect to each of these three issues.
Consistent with social neuroscience perspectives on adolescent development, previous cross-sectional research has found diverging mean age-related trends for sensation seeking and impulsivity during adolescence. The present study uses longitudinal data on 7,640 youth from the National Longitudinal Study of Youth Children and Young Adults, a nationally representative sample assessed biennially from 1994 to 2006. Latent growth curve models were used to investigate mean age-related changes in self-reports of impulsivity and sensation seeking from ages 12 to 24 years, as well individual differences in these changes. Three novel findings are reported. First, impulsivity and sensation seeking showed diverging patterns of longitudinal change at the population level. Second, there was substantial person-to-person variation in the magnitudes of developmental change in both impulsivity and sensation seeking, with some teenagers showing rapid changes as they matured and others maintaining relatively constant levels with age. Finally, the correlation between age-related changes in impulsivity and sensation seeking was modest and not significant. Together, these results constitute the first support for the dual systems model of adolescent development to derive from longitudinal behavioral data.
Psychologists, with their long-standing tradition of studying mechanistic processes, can make important contributions to further characterizing the risk associated with genes identified as influencing risk for psychiatric disorders. We report one such effort with respect to CHRM2, which codes for the cholinergic muscarinic 2 receptor and was of interest originally for its association with alcohol dependence. We tested for association between CHRM2 and prospectively measured externalizing behavior in a longitudinal, community-based sample of adolescents, as well as for moderation of this association by parental monitoring. We found evidence for an interaction in which the association between the genotype and externalizing behavior was stronger in environments with lower parental monitoring. There was also suggestion of a crossover effect, in which the genotype associated with the highest levels of externalizing behavior under low parental monitoring had the lowest levels of externalizing behavior at the extreme high end of parental monitoring. The difficulties involved in distinguishing mechanisms of gene-environment interaction are discussed.
The influence of using substances with friends on future individual use was examined in the context of parental monitoring rules and the ecology of peer activities. A one-year longitudinal study design included a combined sample of North Italian and French Canadian adolescents (N = 285, 53% girls, M = 14.25 years). Data analyses were conducted using structural equation modeling and multiple regression analyses. As expected, the covariation between parental monitoring and adolescent substance use was mediated by "co-use" with friends. Moreover, the relation between substance use with friends and individual substance use was moderated by parental monitoring rules and the peer activity context. Specifically, the relation between substance co-use with friends and individual substance use was stronger when the level of parental monitoring rules was low and when friends spent their time together primarily in unstructured contexts such as on the street or in park settings. These findings underline the importance of adults' use of rules to monitor adolescents prone to substance use, and the role of context in facilitating or reducing peer influence.
Early adolescence is often marked by changes in school context, family relationships, and developmental processes. In the context of these changes, academic performance often declines, while at the same time the long-term implications of academic performance increase. In promoting achievement across elementary and secondary school levels, the significant role of families, family-school relations, and parental involvement in education has been highlighted. Although there is a growing body of literature focusing on parental involvement in education during middle school, this research has not been systematically examined to determine which types of involvement have the strongest relation with achievement. The authors conducted a meta-analysis on the existing research on parental involvement in middle school to determine whether and which types of parental involvement are related to achievement. Across 50 studies, parental involvement was positively associated with achievement, with the exception of parental help with homework. Involvement that reflected academic socialization had the strongest positive association with achievement. Based on the known characteristics of the developmental stage and tasks of adolescence, strategies reflecting academic socialization are most consistent with the developmental stage of early adolescence.
It has been hypothesized that sensation seeking and impulsivity, which are often conflated, in fact develop along different timetables and have different neural underpinnings, and that the difference in their timetables helps account for heightened risk taking during adolescence. In order to test these propositions, the authors examined age differences in sensation seeking and impulsivity in a socioeconomically and ethnically diverse sample of 935 individuals between the ages of 10 and 30, using self-report and behavioral measures of each construct. Consistent with the authors' predictions, age differences in sensation seeking, which are linked to pubertal maturation, follow a curvilinear pattern, with sensation seeking increasing between 10 and 15 and declining or remaining stable thereafter. In contrast, age differences in impulsivity, which are unrelated to puberty, follow a linear pattern, with impulsivity declining steadily from age 10 on. Heightened vulnerability to risk taking in middle adolescence may be due to the combination of relatively higher inclinations to seek excitement and relatively immature capacities for self-control that are typical of this period of development.
The genetic architecture of sensation seeking was analyzed in 1591 adolescent twin pairs. Individual differences in sensation seeking were best explained by a simple additive genetic model. Between 48 and 63% of the total variance in sensation seeking subscales was attributable to genetic factors. There were no sex differences in the magnitude of the genetic and environmental effects. The different dimensions of sensation seeking were moderately correlated. The strongest correlations were between the subscales Thrill and Adventure Seeking and Experience Seeking (r = 0.4) and between Boredom Susceptibility and Disinhibition (r = 0.4 in males, r = 0.5 in females). A triangular decomposition showed that the correlations between the sensation seeking subscales were induced mainly by correlated genetic factors and, to a smaller extent, by correlated unique environmental factors. The genetic and environmental correlation structures differed between males and females. For females, higher genetic correlations for Experience Seeking with Boredom Susceptibility and Disinhibition and higher correlations among the unique environmental factors were found. There was no evidence that sex-specific genes influenced sensation seeking behavior in males and females.
To examine the joint influences of parental monitoring and peer influence on adolescent substance use over time.
6500 adolescents attending six high schools in Wisconsin and northern California.
Longitudinal study.
Parental monitoring was negatively associated with substance use, whereas the more involved an adolescent's peers were in substance use, the more likely he or she also was to use drugs and alcohol. Effects of monitoring and peer coercion were strongest for boys and girls at the transition into substance use, rather than at the transition from experimentation to regular use. The effect of parental monitoring on changes in adolescent substance use is mediated not so much by the nature of the adolescent's peer associates, but by its direct effect on the adolescent. Specifically, poorly monitored adolescents are more likely to use drugs, and drug-using adolescents seek out like-minded friends. Once an adolescent associates with drug-using peers, his or her own substance use approaches their level.
Intervention effects should include both parents and community-level efforts. Parental monitoring is an effective tool both in the prevention of drug use and in the amelioration of drug use.
A dual taxonomy is presented to reconcile 2 incongruous facts about antisocial behavior: (a) It shows impressive continuity over age, but (b) its prevalence changes dramatically over age, increasing almost 10-fold temporarily during adolescence. This article suggests that delinquency conceals 2 distinct categories of individuals, each with a unique natural history and etiology: A small group engages in antisocial behavior of 1 sort or another at every life stage, whereas a larger group is antisocial only during adolescence. According to the theory of life-course-persistent antisocial behavior, children's neuropsychological problems interact cumulatively with their criminogenic environments across development, culminating in a pathological personality. According to the theory of adolescence-limited antisocial behavior, a contemporary maturity gap encourages teens to mimic antisocial behavior in ways that are normative and adjustive.
Longitudinal latent growth models were used to examine the relation between changes in adolescent alcohol use and changes in peer alcohol use over a 3-year period in a community-based sample of 363 Hispanic and Caucasian adolescents. Both adolescent alcohol use and peer alcohol use were characterized by positive linear growth over time. Not only were changes in adolescent alcohol use closely related to changes in peer alcohol use, but the initial status on peer alcohol use was predictive of later increases in adolescent alcohol use and the initial status on adolescent alcohol use was predictive of later increases in peer alcohol use. These results are inconsistent with models positing solely unidirectional effects between adolescent alcohol use and peer alcohol use.
This study analyzed peer-influence versus peer-selection mechanisms in adolescent tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use. Participants were surveyed 3 times, with 1-year intervals, about peers' substance use and their own use; Sample 1 had 1,190 participants (initial mean age = 12.4 years), Sample 2 had 1,277 participants (initial mean age = 11.5 years). Latent growth analyses that were based on composite scores indicated that initial peer use was positively related to rate of change in adolescent use, supporting the influence mechanism; there was little evidence for a selection mechanism. Difficult temperament, poor self-control, and deviance-prone attitudes were related to initial levels for both peer and adolescent use. It is concluded that peer influence is the primary mechanism during middle adolescence. Temperament-related attributes may be predisposing to early experimentation and deviant-peer affiliations.
The present report accomplishes three goals. First, to provide an empirical rationale for placing parental monitoring of children's adaptations as a key construct in development and prevention research. Second, to stimulate more research on parental monitoring and provide an integrative framework for various research traditions as well as developmental periods of interest. Third, to discuss current methodological issues that are developmentally and culturally sensitive and based on sound measurement. Possible intervention and prevention strategies that specifically target parental monitoring are discussed.
This study investigated the influences of peer and parent variables on alcohol use and problems in a sample of late adolescents in the summer immediately prior to entry into college. Participants (N = 556) completed a mail survey assessing peer influences (alcohol offers, social modeling, perceived norms), parental behaviors (nurturance, monitoring), and attitudes and values (disapproval for heavy drinking, permissiveness for drinking), and alcohol use and alcohol-related consequences. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated significant associations between both peer and parental influences and alcohol involvement, and showed that parental influences moderated peer-influence-drinking behavior, such that higher levels of perceived parental involvement were associated with weaker relations between peer influences and alcohol use and problems. These findings suggest that parents continue to exert an influential role in late adolescent drinking behavior.
In this study, I examined direct and indirect influences of sensation seeking, a personality trait, on adolescent drug use. I hypothesized that some or even most of the contribution of sensation seeking to drug use by adolescents is mediated through association with deviant peers and communication with peers that is favorable toward drug use. I examined the role of additional risk or protective factors in facilitating or impeding association with deviant peers, pro-drug communication, and marijuana use as well. The results of analyzing nationally representative cross-sectional data from the evaluation of the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign support the study's hypotheses and suggest that different factors may protect high sensation-seeking adolescents from using drugs or engaging in activities (e.g., association with deviant peers) that may increase their risk for drug use. I discuss the theoretical, methodological, and practical implications of these findings to the design of health communication interventions.
In this review, we evaluate four topics in the study of personality development where discernible progress has been made since 1995 (the last time the area of personality development was reviewed in this series). We (a) evaluate research about the structure of personality in childhood and in adulthood, with special attention to possible developmental changes in the lower-order components of broad traits; (b) summarize new directions in behavioral genetic studies of personality; (c) synthesize evidence from longitudinal studies to pinpoint where and when in the life course personality change is most likely to occur; and (d) document which personality traits influence social relationships, status attainment, and health, and the mechanisms by which these personality effects come about. In each of these four areas, we note gaps and identify priorities for further research.
To examine how membership in fraternities and sororities relates to the prevalence and patterns of substance use in a national sample of full-time US college students.
Nationally representative probability samples of US high school seniors (modal age 18 years) were followed longitudinally across two follow-up waves during college (modal ages 19/20 and 21/22).
Data were collected via self-administered questionnaires from US high school seniors and college students.
The longitudinal sample consisted of 10 cohorts (senior years of 1988-97) made up of 5883 full-time undergraduate students, of whom 58% were women and 17% were active members of fraternities or sororities.
Active members of fraternities and sororities had higher levels of heavy episodic drinking, annual marijuana use and current cigarette smoking than non-members at all three waves. Although members of fraternities reported higher levels than non-members of annual illicit drug use other than marijuana, no such differences existed between sorority members and non-members. Heavy episodic drinking and annual marijuana use increased significantly with age among members of fraternities or sororities relative to non-members, but there were no such differential changes for current cigarette use or annual illicit drug use other than marijuana.
The present study provides strong evidence that higher rates of substance use among US college students who join fraternities and sororities predate their college attendance, and that membership in a fraternity or sorority is associated with considerably greater than average increases in heavy episodic drinking and annual marijuana use during college. These findings have important implications for prevention and intervention efforts aimed toward college students, especially members of fraternities and sororities.
This technical volume is intended to serve as a reference book for researchers who are using constructs or indicators to describe family interaction. In these analyses, each concept {latent construct} is defined by a minimum of 3 {and up to 10} indicators. The volume details the psychometric analyses of each indicator {itemetric study, reliability, distribution, skewness, and kurtosis}. The fit of the indicators to the construct is examined with factor analysis constrained to a single solution. The results of the analyses constitute the preliminary definition of a construct. The process of construct definition is set forth in the papers by Patterson and Bank {1986; in press}. This manual can also serve as a source of further information to researchers who read published articles or books from the Oregon Youth Study {OYS} and need more detailed information on the analyses conducted than can be provided in the space of a book or journal article on theory and results. One of the costs of working with a data set of this magnitude is that the analyses conducted cannot be reported fully in anyone publication, with the result that the interested reader finds it insufficient to replicate the studies. It is hoped that this volume will provide a solid foundation for all who have than a passing interest in the OYS, or in analyses for this type of data more set.
Peer influence is generally believed to be a major cause of adolescent drug behavior. This paper reviews research findings on friend selection and projection to suggest that the magnitude of friend influence may be overestimated. This paper also observes that, although adolescent drug use is assumed to begin in response to peer group influence, peer groups have rarely been measured in studies of drug behavior. Social network analysis is identified as a promising method for measuring peer groups. The implications of this review for research and programs are considered.
Criminological research and theory generally proceed with the orientation, if not the assumption, that delinquency is the result of some series of events common to all delinquents. While some attention has been given to the concepts of typologies, multiple pathways, and different developmental sequences leading to different outcomes, rarely have these concepts been pursued empirically. This paper uses a typological approach to make a preliminary examination of the existence of multiple paths leading to delinquency. Data from the first two annual surveys of the Denver Youth Survey provide the basis for the analyses. The results support the notion that there is typological diversity in the backgrounds of youth who become delinquent, a diversity which, perhaps, should not be ignored.
Adolescence is traditionally considered to be the period in life when peer influences are most intense. Because adolescents are still members of parental family units and occupy the social roles of children toward whom parents have since their births exerted important socialization functions, a basic issue in adolescent socialization is the extent to which adolescent development proceeds in response to peer or to parental influences (Brofenbrenner, 1970; Hartup, 1979; Kandel & Lesser, 1972). A pervasive notion is that there is a “generation gap”, with adolescents assumed to function completely independent and in opposition to the world of adults. Social commentators such as the late Margaret Mead (1970) or the noted sociologist James S. Coleman (1970, 1973) stress the emergence of strong adolescent subcultures and the increased separation between parents and their adolescent children. The emergence of these distinct subcultures has been attributed to structural changes in social organization: the fact that adolescents spend most of their lives segregated in schools with peers of their own age; the lengthening of schooling; and the reduced responsibilities for participation in the labor force. Insulation from parents and other adults is assumed to result in the elimination of parental ability to influence their adolescent children.
Adolescence is traditionally considered to be the period in life when peer influences are most intense. Because adolescents are still members of parental family units and occupy the social roles of children toward whom parents have since their births exerted important socialization functions, a basic issue in adolescent socialization is the extent to which adolescent development proceeds in response to peer or to parental influences (Brofenbrenner, 1970; Hartup, 1979; Kandel & Lesser, 1972). A pervasive notion is that there is a “generation gap”, with adolescents assumed to function completely independent and in opposition to the world of adults. Social commentators such as the late Margaret Mead (1970) or the noted sociologist James S. Coleman (1970, 1973) stress the emergence of strong adolescent subcultures and the increased separation between parents and their adolescent children. The emergence of these distinct subcultures has been attributed to structural changes in social organization: the fact that adolescents spend most of their lives segregated in schools with peers of their own age; the lengthening of schooling; and the reduced responsibilities for participation in the labor force. Insulation from parents and other adults is assumed to result in the elimination of parental ability to influence their adolescent children.
Longitudinal sociometric data on adolescent friendship pairs, friends-to-be, and former friends are examined to assess levels of homophily on four attributes (frequency of current marijuana, use, level of educational aspirations, political orientation, and participation in minor delinquency) at various stages of friendship formation and dissolution. In addition, estimates are developed of the extent to which observed homophily in friendship dyads results from a process of selection (assortative pairing), in which similarity precedes association and the extent to which it results from a process of socialization in which association leads to similarity. The implications of the results for interpreting estimates of peer influence derived from cross-sectional data are discussed.
A model incorporating the direct and indirect effects of parental monitoring on adolescent alcohol use was evaluated by applying structural equation modeling (SEM) techniques to data on 4,765 tenth-graders in the 2001 Monitoring the Future Study. Analyses indicated good fit of hypothesized measurement and structural models. Analyses supported both direct and indirect effects of parental monitoring on adolescent alcohol use. Peer influence, perceived alcohol norms, and conventional bonds mediated the relationship between parental monitoring and adolescent alcohol use. Results suggest parental involvement and proactive parenting skills as critical components of prevention and intervention programs that target adolescent alcohol use.
Several items of the Sensation Seeking Scale which had become dated or irrelevant to current generations were modified, but some investigators are apparently unaware of these modifications. This note describes the item-changes and a new scale, ‘Impulsive Sensation Seeking’ which has no description of specific activities.
A new approach is proposed for data which are skewed and have a sizeable proportion of observation at variable end points. Using a covariance structure modelling framework, the new approach assumes censored multivariate normal variables. Using bivariate information, this leads to the use of ‘tobit’ correlations in weighted least squares estimation. The behaviour of the tobit approach is compared to that of normal theory estimation and ADF estimation.
A commonly used measure of parental monitoring is parents' knowledge of adolescents' daily activities. This measure has been criticized on the grounds that parents get more knowledge about teenagers' daily activities through willing youth disclosure than through their own active monitoring efforts, but this claim was based on cross-sectional data. In the present study, we reexamine this claim with longitudinal data over 2 years from 938 seventh and eighth graders and their parents. Youth disclosure was a significant longitudinal predictor of parental knowledge in single- and cross-rater models. Neither measure of parents' monitoring efforts—control or solicitation—was a significant predictor. In analyses involving delinquency, parental monitoring efforts did not predict changes in delinquency over time, but youth disclosure did. We conclude that because knowledge measures do not seem to represent parental monitoring efforts, the conclusions from studies using these measures should be reinterpreted.
Published results on the moments of censored and truncated bivariate normal distributions do not include explicit formulas for all combinations of limits in a form that is readily adapted for computation. Moments for truncation and censoring that can take place both from above and below in both variables are given in a general form from which special cases are easily obtained. The attenuation of the correlation coefficients is studied in a series of graphs and related to examples of factor analysis.
Three theoretical models of the interrelations among associations with delinquent peers, delinquent beliefs, and delinquent behavior are examined. The socialization model views delinquent peers and beliefs as causally prior to delinquent behavior, whereas the selection model hypothesizes that associations with delinquent peers and delinquent beliefs are a result of delinquent behavior. The interactional model combines aspects of both the socialization and the selection models, positing that these variables have bidirectional causal influences on one another over time. Data to test for reciprocal causality are drawn from three waves of the Rochester Youth Development Study. Results suggest that simple unidirectional models are inadequate. Associating with delinquent peers leads to increases in delinquency via the reinforcing environment of the peer network. Engaging in delinquency, in turn, leads to increases in associations with delinquent peers. Finally, delinquent beliefs exert lagged effects on peers and behavior, which tend in turn to “harden” the formation of delinquent beliefs.
We developed a self-report measure of sensation seeking, a dispositional risk factor for various problem behaviors. In two studies, we administered the Brief Sensation Seeking Scale (BSSS) to more than 7000 adolescents. Study 1 participants completed a paper-and-pencil form of the BSSS in mass-testing sessions. Psychometric analyses of the resultant data revealed suitable item characteristics and internal consistency of responses to the items across age (13–17 years), sex, and ethnic categories. Study 2 participants, who completed the BSSS individually in an interview format, also provided data on their perceptions of and experiences with licit and illicit drugs as well as a series of additional risk and protective factors. Scores on the full BSSS correlated inversely with negative attitudes toward drug use and positively with drug use; sensation seeking as measured by the BSSS was a particularly strong predictor of the intention to try marijuana in the future. BSSS scores were reliably and predictably associated with other risk and protective factors.
Sensation seeking is associated with an increased propensity for delinquency, and emerging research on personality change suggests that mean levels of sensation seeking increase substantially from childhood to adolescence. The current study tested whether individual differences in the rate of change of sensation seeking predicted within-person change in delinquent behavior and whether genetically influenced differences in rate of personality change accounted for this association. Sensation seeking and delinquent behavior were assessed biennially between ages 10-11 and 16-17 in a nationally representative sample of 7675 youths from the National Longitudinal Study of Youth: Children and Young Adults (CNLSY). Analyses using latent growth curve modeling found that within-person change in sensation seeking was significantly and positively correlated with within-person change in delinquency from childhood to adolescence. Furthermore, behavioral genetic analyses of a subset of 2562 sibling pairs indicated that there were substantial genetic influences on both initial levels of sensation seeking and change in sensation seeking during early adolescence, with over 80% of individual differences in change due to genetic factors. Finally, these genetically driven increases in sensation seeking were most important for predicting increases in delinquency, whereas environmental paths between sensation seeking and delinquency were not significant. These results suggest that developmental changes in delinquent behaviors during adolescence are driven by a genetically governed process of personality change.
This study examined developmental trends of peer selection and socialization related to friends' alcohol use in early-, middle-, and late-adolescent peer networks, with the primary goal of identifying when these mechanisms emerge, when these mechanisms exert their strongest effects, and when (or if) they decrease in importance. Gender and reciprocity are also tested as moderators of selection and socialization.
Cross-sequential study (three age cohorts assessed at three annual measurements) of 950 youth (53% male) initially attending classrooms in Grade 4 (n = 314; M = 10.1 years), Grade 7 (n = 335; M = 13.1 years), and Grade 10 (n = 301; M = 16.2 years).
Similarity between friends' drinking behaviors emerged in Grade 6, peaked in Grade 8, and decreased throughout late adolescence. Adolescents in all three age groups selected peers with similar drinking behaviors, with effects being more robust for early-adolescent males and for late-adolescent females. Peers' alcohol use emerged as a significant predictor of middle-adolescent alcohol use and remained a significant predictor of individual drinking behaviors throughout late adolescence. Socialization did not differ as a function of gender or reciprocity.
Alcohol-related peer selection was relatively more important than socialization in early-adolescent friendship networks; both mechanisms contributed to explaining similarity between the drinking behaviors of friends in middle and late adolescence. Effects of peer socialization emerged in middle adolescence and remained throughout late adolescence.
By articulating a general theory of crime and related behavior, the authors present a new and comprehensive statement of what the criminological enterprise should be about. They argue that prevalent academic criminologyâwhether sociological, psychological, biological, or economicâhas been unable to provide believable explanations of criminal behavior. The long-discarded classical tradition in criminology was based on choice and free will, and saw crime as the natural consequence of unrestrained human tendencies to seek pleasure and to avoid pain. It concerned itself with the nature of crime and paid little attention to the criminal. The scientific, or disciplinary, tradition is based on causation and determinism, and has dominated twentieth-century criminology. It concerns itself with the nature of the criminal and pays little attention to the crime itself. Though the two traditions are considered incompatible, this book brings classical and modern criminology together by requiring that their conceptions be consistent with each other and with the results of research. The authors explore the essential nature of crime, finding that scientific and popular conceptions of crime are misleading, and they assess the truth of disciplinary claims about crime, concluding that such claims are contrary to the nature of crime and, interestingly enough, to the data produced by the disciplines themselves. They then put forward their own theory of crime, which asserts that the essential element of criminality is the absence of self-control. Persons with high self-control consider the long-term consequences of their behavior; those with low self-control do not. Such control is learned, usually early in life, and once learned, is highly resistant to change. In the remainder of the book, the authors apply their theory to the persistent problems of criminology. Why are men, adolescents, and minorities more likely than their counterparts to commit criminal acts? What is the role of the school in the causation of delinquincy? To what extent could crime be reduced by providing meaningful work? Why do some societies have much lower crime rates than others? Does white-collar crime require its own theory? Is there such a thing as organized crime? In all cases, the theory forces fundamental reconsideration of the conventional wisdom of academians and crimina justic practitioners. The authors conclude by exploring the implications of the theory for the future study and control of crime.
As we identify genes involved in psychiatric disorders, the next step will be to study how the risk associated with susceptibility genes manifests across development and in conjunction with the environment. We describe analyses aimed at characterizing the pathway of risk associated with GABRA2, a gene previously associated with adult alcohol dependence, in a community sample of children followed longitudinally from childhood through young adulthood.
To test for an association between GABRA2 and trajectories of externalizing behavior from adolescence to young adulthood and for moderation of genetic effects by parental monitoring.
Data were analyzed from the Child Development Project, with yearly assessments conducted since that time. A saliva sample was collected for DNA at the 2006 follow-up, with a 93% response rate in the target sample. Growth mixture modeling was conducted using Mplus to identify trajectories of externalizing behavior and to test for effects of GABRA2 sequence variants and parental monitoring.
Nashville and Knoxville, Tennessee, and Bloomington, Indiana.
A community-based sample of families enrolled at 3 sites as children entered kindergarten in 1987 and 1988. Analyses for the white subset of the sample (n = 378) are reported here.
Parental monitoring measured at 11 years of age; Child Behavior Checklist youth reports of externalizing behavior at ages 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, and 22 years.
Two classes of externalizing behavior emerged: a stable high externalizing class and a moderate decreasing externalizing behavior class. The GABRA2 gene was associated with class membership, with subjects who showed persistent elevated trajectories of externalizing behavior more likely to carry the genotype previously associated with increased risk of adult alcohol dependence. A significant interaction with parental monitoring emerged; the association of GABRA2 with externalizing trajectories diminished with high levels of parental monitoring.
These analyses underscore the importance of studying genetic effects across development and of identifying environmental factors that moderate risk.
Peer influence is generally believed to be a major cause of adolescent drug behavior. This paper reviews research findings on friend selection and projection to suggest that the magnitude of friend influence may be overestimated. This paper also observes that, although adolescent drug use is assumed to begin in response to peer group influence, peer groups have rarely been measured in studies of drug behavior. Social network analysis is identified as a promising method for measuring peer groups. The implications of this review for research and programs are considered.
Monitoring (tracking and surveillance) of children's behavior is considered an essential parenting skill. Numerous studies show that well-monitored youths are less involved in delinquency and other normbreaking behaviors, and scholars conclude that parents should track their children more carefully. This study questions that conclusion. We point out that monitoring measures typically assess parents' knowledge but not its source, and parents could get knowledge from their children's free disclosure of information as well as their own active surveillance efforts. In our study of 703 14-year-olds in central Sweden and their parents, parental knowledge came mainly from child disclosure, and child disclosure was the source of knowledge that was most closely linked to broad and narrow measures of delinquency (normbreaking and police contact). These results held for both children's and parents' reports, for both sexes, and were independent of whether the children were exhibiting problem behavior or not. We conclude that tracking and surveillance is not the best prescription for parental behavior and that a new prescription must rest on an understanding of the factors that determine child disclosure.
Links between parental knowledge and adolescent delinquent behavior were tested for correlated rates of developmental change and reciprocal associations. For 4 years beginning at age 14, adolescents (N = 396) reported on their delinquent behavior and on their parents' knowledge of their whereabouts and activities. Parents completed measures of their adolescents' delinquent behavior. Knowledge was negatively correlated with delinquent behaviors at baseline, and increases over time in knowledge were negatively correlated with increases in parent-reported delinquent behavior. Reciprocal associations indicate that low levels of parental knowledge predict increases in delinquent behavior and that high levels of delinquent behavior predict decreases in knowledge. Discussion considers both youth-driven and parent-driven processes that may account for the correlated developmental changes and reciprocal associations.
Sensation seeking is central to research on the prevention of risky health behaviors, but current measures of sensation seeking are fairly long, thereby reducing their chances of inclusion in some research projects. Hence, we developed and evaluated two brief indices of sensation seeking, a four-item measure that retains the framework of the Sensation Seeking Scale-Form V (SSS-V) and a shorter two-item measure focusing on the risk-taking elements of sensation seeking. We compared the performance of the new indices with that of two well documented but longer measures of sensation seeking. The evaluation was based on data provided by more than 5000 teens and pre-teens in grades 7 through 11. Psychometric analyses revealed that the internal consistency of the two new measures was very good overall and across grade and sex categories. Additionally, the new indices correlated as expected with a series of risk and protective factors as well as tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use. Both indices performed in ways remarkably similar to the established measures of sensation seeking and should prove useful for future research involving risky health behaviors.
This review discusses conceptual issues in relating temperament to psychopathology, including the disputed relation of temperament to personality in children. A potential integrative framework is discussed that links trait and biological markers of temperament (reactive, incentive-response tendencies) with regulatory processes. This framework is utilized to highlight potential temperamental pathways to specific forms of psychopathology, noting that in some instances their relations may reflect a spectrum model (with psychopathology closely related as an extreme of a temperament-based trait), but in many instances it likely reflects a vulnerability-transaction set of processes. Conduct disorder involves at least two temperamental paths, one emanating from low fear response and one from either high incentive approach or high anger reactivity. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder also involves at least two temperament pathways, one involving extremely low effortful control and the other likely involving strong approach. Anxiety disorders appear to result from the confluence of high negative emotionality and low effortful control. Hypotheses for future research are presented and limitations discussed.
Connections between personality traits and psychopathology in children and adolescents have frequently been reported in research studies. However, despite the occurrence of significant and systematic relationships between personality and mental disorders in childhood, a thorough understanding of the cause, nature, and implications of these relationships is lacking. In this paper, a comprehensive taxonomy of childhood personality is used to link research on children with that on adults, as well as provide a framework for discussing the personality-psychopathology relationship. Next, research on children and adolescents is integrated into various proposed models of the personality-psychopathology relationship. Finally, clinical implications and future directions are proposed for research on personality and psychopathology in children.