Abstract
Previous studies have indicated homophily in depressive symptoms among adolescent friends, resulting from both peer selection
and socialization processes. However, developmental differences and the role of school transitions in these processes have
not been elucidated. A sample of 367 (51% female) adolescents was followed from 6th to 11th grade to investigate prospective
relationships between adolescents’ and their friends’ depressive symptoms in middle school and in high school. Results revealed
that students selected friends with similar levels of depressive symptoms after each school transition. Additionally, friends
appeared to socialize adolescents to become more similar in depressive affect in late middle school years. These findings
suggest normative selection effects after school transitions, followed by socialization effects in middle school, but not
high school.
and socialization processes. However, developmental differences and the role of school transitions in these processes have
not been elucidated. A sample of 367 (51% female) adolescents was followed from 6th to 11th grade to investigate prospective
relationships between adolescents’ and their friends’ depressive symptoms in middle school and in high school. Results revealed
that students selected friends with similar levels of depressive symptoms after each school transition. Additionally, friends
appeared to socialize adolescents to become more similar in depressive affect in late middle school years. These findings
suggest normative selection effects after school transitions, followed by socialization effects in middle school, but not
high school.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Empirical Research
- Pages 1-13
- DOI 10.1007/s10964-011-9723-x
- Authors
- Natalie P. Goodwin, University of Alabama, Birmingham, 1300 University Blvd, CH 415, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Sylvie Mrug, University of Alabama, Birmingham, 1300 University Blvd, CH 415, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Casey Borch, University of Alabama, Birmingham, 1530 3rd Ave South, HH460K, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Antonius H. N. Cillessen, Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Montessorilaan 3, 6525 HR Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Journal Journal of Youth and Adolescence
- Online ISSN 1573-6601
- Print ISSN 0047-2891