Peer Influences on Academic Motivation: Exploring Multiple Methods of Assessing Youths’ Most “Influential” Peer Relationships

The present study examines the relative role of three distinct types of peer relationships (reciprocated friendships, frequent interactions, and shared group membership) in within-year changes in academic self-concept and engagement before and after the transition to middle school (fifth and seventh...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Journal of early adolescence 2011-02, Vol.31 (1), p.13-40
Main Authors: Molloy, Lauren E., Gest, Scott D., Rulison, Kelly L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Academic Achievement
Grade 5
Grade 7
Group Membership
Influence
Intermediate Grades
Middle school students
Middle Schools
Motivation
Peer Influence
Peer Relationship
Peer relationships
Regression (Statistics)
Regression analysis
Role
Self Concept
Self esteem
Socialization
Student Motivation
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Summary:The present study examines the relative role of three distinct types of peer relationships (reciprocated friendships, frequent interactions, and shared group membership) in within-year changes in academic self-concept and engagement before and after the transition to middle school (fifth and seventh grade). In a series of linear regression analyses, main effects of each peer type’s academic self-concept and engagement on changes in youths’ academic characteristics were used to test socialization processes. Interactions of youths’ academic skills with those of each peer type were used to test social comparison processes influencing changes in academic self-concept. Results suggest unique roles of each peer relationship differentially influencing changes in youths’ academic adjustment as well as stronger influence effects during seventh than fifth grade. Implications are discussed in terms of distinct influence processes associated with each peer relationship type as well as potential developmental differences in the role that certain peer relationships play.
ISSN:0272-4316
1552-5449
DOI:10.1177/0272431610384487