Popularity in fifth grade friendship networks: selection and influence processes

This study investigated the role of popularity in selection and influence processes in friendship networks. A longitudinal social network analysis (SIENA) was utilized to study 613 fifth grade students in 26 classrooms in two study sites. Results showed that youth chose their friends based on similarity in popularity more than similarity in aggressive or prosocial behavior. Friendship between popular-aggressive (tough) and popular-prosocial (model) youth occurred at chance levels. Early adolescents varied in their selection of tough and model youth, but influence effects were consistently significant for popular status, aggression, and prosocial behavior. Implications of susceptibility to the influence of tough and model peers is discussed, with reference to peer focused intervention programs that aim to reduce hostility in school settings.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Educational Psychology

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2012

Author dc:creator

• Logis, Handrea Anita

Contributors dc:contributor

• Rodkin, Philip C.
• Rudolph, Karen D.
• Espelage, Dorothy L.

• selection
• influence
• peer relationship
• aggression
• prosocial behavior
• popularity
• longitudinal social network analysis (SIENA)

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2012 Handrea Logis

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/34450

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/34450