Peer Group Influence Research Articles

“Eagles Don’t Fly with Sparrows”: Self-Determination Theory, African American Male Scholar-Athletes and Peer Group Influences on Motivation

The belief that African American students do not value high academic achievement (e.g., Fordham & Ogbu, 1986) is a common misperception being challenged by scholars (Cokley, 2003; Harper, 2006). To properly address this idea, researchers must attempt to understand the psychological nature of motivation among African American students and its subsequent effects on their academic performance (Cokley, 2003). While research examining the academic motivations of African American students is scarce, research specifically peering into the academic motivations of high-achieving African American male college athletes is almost non-existent. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the academic motivation of high-achieving African American male college athletes, as well as to explore their academic experiences and the role of peers on their academic achievement. In doing so, a unique light is shed on the academic motivations of African American male college athletes, while also highlighting their achievements in an arena other than the playing field or court (Hodge et al., 2008).Literature ReviewMotivation and African American StudentsAccording to oppositional culture, African American students are not motivated to pursue academic excellence owing in part to the perception that doing so is to act (Fordham & Ogbu, 1986; Harris, 2006). Although this view is held by some, an emerging line of research is challenging the hypothesis by examining the motivation of academically driven African American students. In one of the few studies of its kind, Cokley (2003) challenged the anti-intellectual myth of African American students by examining their motivation toward academic achievement. Although Cokley (2003) found that African American students were indeed academically motivated, results indicated that African American males were less self-determined and experienced higher levels of amotivation than their female counterparts. In a similar study, Martin and colleagues (2010) explored the academic achievements of high-achieving African American male college athletes from four academically rigorous American universities on the West Coast. Among other themes, the researchers found that high-achieving African American male college athletes were driven to succeed academically by both internal (e.g., high self-standards) and external (e.g., negative social stereotypes about African American males) factors (Martin et al., 2010). Martin and associates (2010) defined high-achievement in their study by acknowledging those researchers and scholars who establish a 3.0 or higher grade point average (GPA) as a criterion for high academic achievement for African American students (Griffin, 2006; Guiffrida, 2004; Harper, 2008) and NCAA student-athlete recognition standards which establishes 3.0 as the baseline of high achievement. In the current study, the authors affirm that in the competitive sports of football and men's basketball a B- or higher is above average for all student-athletes from any ethnic background in these sports (see methods section for a more in-depth explanation of defining criteria for high-achieving African American male student-athletes at predominantly White institutions [PWIs] of higher learning).While useful in moving the conversation about the motivation of African American males, and specifically male student-athletes in the case of Martin and others' (2010) study, forward, the aforementioned research is limited in that these studies failed to examine the influence of peers on academic experiences. Including peer groups into an examination of African American academic experiences is critical as researchers have argued that African Americans, particularly African American males, devalue academic achievement owing, in part, to a fear of being socially ostracized and ridiculed by their peer group (Fordham & Ogbu, 1986). When investigating the academic motivations of African American students and student-athletes, it is imperative to highlight the influence of their peer groups. …

Measuring confessionality by the outcomes? Islamic religious education in the Finnish school system

Confessionality is a term which is seldom defined but often used. One of its meanings is enhancing the religiosity of pupils. In Finland, pupils are provided with religious education in their own religion. Does this produce more religious young people than a neutral or multi-religious education would produce? Interviews with 15–16-year-old Muslim pupils at three different Finnish comprehensive schools are examined in order to answer this question. The young Muslims themselves usually regarded their families as the most important factor in their religious identity, although they also acknowledged and valued the impact of school. For them, knowledge of Islam was an important asset. Some peer group influence could also be detected, although the interviewees stressed the fact that their faith was a matter of individual choice. Islamic religious education certainly provides an arena for developing religious attitudes and models of behaviour, but other factors determine whether these models are received or not. The focus of defining the degree of confessionality should be shifted from the outcomes to the process of teaching, and in particular the question as to whether the religious education class can be seen as a safe space for every pupil.

Inequalities in adolescent: the lead role of social relations

Background This study aims to examine the influence of family affluence, school environment and peer group on unhealthy behaviours (irregular breakfast consumption, alcohol consumption, smoking, and sedentary lifestyle) and health outcomes (self-reported health, multiple health complaints and life satisfaction) within adolescent in an italian region. Methods The data from Health Behaviour in School-aged Children 2009/10 (HBSC), a WHO cross-National Survey, were used on a regional basis. The 3291 …

School-related factors in the development of bullying perpetration and victimization: introduction to the special section.

Although not limited to school contexts, bullying perpetration and victimization often emanates from social ecologies formed within the classroom. Thus, to fully illuminate risk for involvement in bullying, we must investigate contextual features of schools that heighten or minimize aggression among students and the targeting of children for peer victimization. To this end, the articles in this special section each contribute conceptually and empirically to the study of school-related factors in bullying and peer victimization. This introduction summarizes and highlights the major findings of each paper, organized around two major themes of the articles-the role of peer group ecologies and the role of the classroom teacher. We conclude our synopsis by discussing implications for intervention and the need for anti-bullying efforts that systemically address the peer group and teacher influences identified in these investigations.

Do Self Esteem and Family Relations Predict Prosocial Behaviour and Social Adjustment of Fresh Students

Most of the studies about prosocial behaviour and adolescent adjustment focus on some personality factors or peer group influence as separate sources of influence and do not take into account some important variables like self esteem and family relations. The aim of this paper is therefore to analyse the relationship between self esteem and family relations of a sample of Nigerian undergraduates as indicated by their prosocial behaviour and social adjustment. To achieve this, 294 fresh students who have spent at least 30 weeks in the university were randomly selected (using cross-sectional sampling method) from both Ambrose Alli and Adekunle Ajasin universities in Nigeria. Out of these were 161 (54.8%) males while 133 (45.2%) were females. Two hypotheses were stated and tested. Results revealed that self esteem and family relations independently predicted prosocial behaviour. Their joint prediction of prosocial behaviour was also significant [R2= .279, t = 9.07; p < .01]. Analysis of the second hypothesis also revealed that self-esteem independently predicted social adjustment but family relations did not predict social adjustment significantly. However, self-esteem and family relation jointly predicted social adjustment [R2= .384, t = 7.972; p < .01]. It was recommended that efforts to boost the new students’ self-esteem should not be spared and the relationship between family members should be cordial so as improve the level of prosocial behavior and social adjustment of individuals.

DAMASCENE and Meta-Ecological Research: A Bridge Too Far.

Population level studies commonly induce the ecological fallacy, i.e., the belief that a relationship identified at the population level implies a cause and effect relationship at the level of the individual. A recent research report (DAMASCENE) that related clinical trial effect sizes in cardiovascular cell therapy trials to reporting discrepancies in the trials themselves has compounded meta-analysis difficulties with ecological fallacy issues. This dangerous combination has produced misleading conclusions and speculation that the research community should set aside.

Pekerja Rumah Tangga (PRT) dan penerimaan terhadap makna spiritual dalam tayangan religi di televisi

Religious soap opera is a tv shows that display story and culture which related to Islam within its story line. Different representations within religoius soap opera could lead to various interpretations. The text displayed posses dynamic values, particularly about how a text receive a value after being consumed by its audience. This research aims to describe audience acceptance level of spiritual meaning in religion tv shows. TV programs that had been observed were Layar kemilau (MNC TV) and sinema Pintu Taubat (Indosiar). This research uses descriptive qualitative method with in depth interview using 3 informants. Stuart Hall acceptance analysis was was used to identify two from three different affeptance models; dominant and negotiating. This research identify dominant and negotiating audience as informant to answer the research question. Informant background, peer group influence, the need of enterainment and audience gender were founded as significant inlfluencer of domestic workers’ decision to watch religion soap opera in TV. This research shows that different interpretation obtained the audience can be reciprocal or contradict with the content of religious soap opera in TV

Pekerja Rumah Tangga (PRT) dan penerimaan terhadap makna spiritual dalam tayangan religi di televisi

Religious soap opera is a tv shows that display story and culture which related to Islam within its story line. Different representations within religoius soap opera could lead to various interpretations. The text displayed posses dynamic values, particularly about how a text receive a value after being consumed by its audience. This research aims to describe audience acceptance level of spiritual meaning in religion tv shows. TV programs that had been observed were Layar kemilau (MNC TV) and sinema Pintu Taubat (Indosiar). This research uses descriptive qualitative method with in depth interview using 3 informants. Stuart Hall acceptance analysis was was used to identify two from three different affeptance models; dominant and negotiating. This research identify dominant and negotiating audience as informant to answer the research question. Informant background, peer group influence, the need of enterainment and audience gender were founded as significant inlfluencer of domestic workers’ decision to watch religion soap opera in TV. This research shows that different interpretation obtained the audience can be reciprocal or contradict with the content of religious soap opera in TV

Correlates of Child Rearing Techniques and Peer Group Influences on the Anti-Social Behavior of Adolescents in Rumuokoro, Obio Akpor Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State

Correlates of Child Rearing Techniques and Peer Group Influences on the Anti-Social Behavior of Adolescents in Rumuokoro, Obio Akpor Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State

Identification of direct and indirect social network effects in the pathophysiology of insulin resistance in obese human subjects.

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to examine to what extent different social network mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis of obesity and insulin-resistance.DesignWe used nonparametric and parametric regression models to analyse whether individual BMI and HOMA-IR are determined by social network characteristics.Subjects and MethodsA total of 677 probands (EGO) and 3033 social network partners (ALTER) were included in the study. Data gathered from the probands include anthropometric measures, HOMA-IR index, health attitudes, behavioural and socio-economic variables and social network data.ResultsWe found significant treatment effects for ALTERs frequent dieting (p<0.001) and ALTERs health oriented nutritional attitudes (p<0.001) on EGO's BMI, establishing a significant indirect network effect also on EGO's insulin resistance. Most importantly, we also found significant direct social network effects on EGO's insulin resistance, evidenced by an effect of ALTERs frequent dieting (p = 0.033) and ALTERs sport activities (p = 0.041) to decrease EGO's HOMA-IR index independently of EGO's BMI.ConclusionsSocial network phenomena appear not only to be relevant for the spread of obesity, but also for the spread of insulin resistance as the basis for type 2 diabetes. Attitudes and behaviour of peer groups influence EGO's health status not only via social mechanisms, but also via socio-biological mechanisms, i.e. higher brain areas might be influenced not only by biological signals from the own organism, but also by behaviour and knowledge from different human individuals. Our approach allows the identification of peer group influence controlling for potential homophily even when using cross-sectional observational data.

Peer Group and Friend Influences on the Social Acceptability of Adolescent Book Reading

Increasing recreational reading is a priority in a climate of growing adolescent aliteracy. Raising the social appeal of books has been identified as one potential avenue for arresting this trend. An understanding of the current social acceptability of book reading amongst contemporary adolescents is important in informing an effective approach to raise the status of book reading, as is insight into how this status impacts upon attitudes toward, and engagement in, recreational book reading. Friend and peer group attitudes may impact upon the palatability of recreational book reading, and this impact may differ for gender. Findings from the 2012 West Australian Study in Adolescent Book Reading (WASABR) are analyzed to provide insight into these key areas, with implications for educators considered.

Social Behavioural Risk Factors and Diversionary Precursor for Conviction of Boys to Borstal Institutions in Nigeria

OBJECTIVES: Juvenile delinquencies are antisocial behaviours which the society frowns at. This study investigates the social behavioural factors influencing the remand/imprisonment of boys in Nigerian Borstal Institutions. METHODS: A descriptive research design was adopted. 400 of the boys in the Homes were randomly selected from the three Prison Juvenile formations in Nigeria. Three research questions were formulated. The researchers’ developed structured questionnaire of 4-point Likert scale was used to gather the data and the r was 0.67. Percentage was used to describe the demographic data while ranking was used to show the perceived predictor of antisocial behaviour that leads to redivism. RESULTS: The results revealed perceived factors of conviction of boys to Borstal homes/institutions in the following order; Stress (70.5) , Peer group influence ( 66.5), Alcohol ( 39.0), Broken Homes ( 36.25) Prison setting ( 17.5) Tobacco and related substance ( 15.25), Drugs (12.75), Cocaine and Heroine (10.75). Majority of those convicted were secondary school student graduates (80.5) and were mostly as a result of getting out of parental control. CONCLUSION: Stress was found to be a risk factor for other anti-social behaviours which may also be induced by other factors thus making it the most significant predictor of anti social behaviours that led to repeated admission into borstal homes; Adolescents were the most convicted as a result of getting out of parental control. Parents, school authorities, health educators, religious bodies and policy makers should work together with prison officers to put in place the mechanisms for educating and monitoring adolescents. Means of diverting their energy towards healthy rivalry such as healthy group performances as found in exercise, sports and recreational activities should be encouraged in the institutions.

Factors Affecting the Choice of Science Subjects among Female Students in Jigawa Metropolis, Nigeria

The work is to investigate the factors affecting the choice of science subjects among female students at the senior secondary level in Jigawa metropolis. There are factors that influence the choice of science subject among female students. Some of the factors are the sex of the students, peer group influence, motivation and the choice of a future career. In order to analyze some of these factors and their effect on female students in Jigawa metropolis, questionnaires were administered to female school of SS II and SS III in some randomly selected secondary schools. The hypothesis were tested; the use of data obtained from the questionnaires administered; and results presented in Tables 6-9.

Disciplinary Measures in Nigerian Senior Secondary Schools: Issues and Prospects

This paper analytically discusses the disciplinary measures used in senior secondary schools in Nigeria with the emphasis on the problems encountered with a view to proffering far reaching solutions to the challenges. The paper posits that the causes and kinds of disciplinary problems experienced are determinant of disciplinary measures to be taken. To this end, truancy, absenteeism, fighting, stealing and drug addiction among others are typical examples of disciplinary problems experienced in Nigerian secondary schools. While parental/home, political, social and economic, school environment, school curriculum and peer group influence among others are the causes of disciplinary problems. The study asserts that discipline is not necessarily punishment but punishment is one of the disciplinary measures in school. Finally, the paper recommends moral punishment and well spelt out code of conduct for all students to follow.

Young novice drivers and the risky behaviours of parents and friends during the Provisional (intermediate) licence phase: A brief report

PurposeWhile there is research indicating that many factors influence the young novice driver's increased risk of road crash injury during the earliest stages of their independent driving, there is a need to further understand the relationship between the perceived risky driving behaviour of parents and friends and the risky behaviour of drivers with a Provisional (intermediate) licence. MethodAs part of a larger research project, 378 drivers aged 17–25 years (M=18.22, SD=1.59, 113 males) with a Provisional licence completed an online survey exploring the perceived riskiness of their parents’ and friends’ driving, and the extent to which they pattern (i.e. base) their driving behaviour on the driving of their parents and friends. ResultsYoung drivers who reported patterning their driving on their friends, and who reported they perceived their friends to be risky drivers, reported more risky driving. The risky driving behaviour of young male drivers was associated with the perceived riskiness of their fathers’ driving, whilst for female drivers the perceived riskiness of their mothers’ driving approached significance. ConclusionsThe development and application of countermeasures targeting the risky behaviour of same-sex parents appears warranted by the robust research findings. In addition, countermeasures need to encourage young people in general to be non-risky drivers; targeting the negative influence of risky peer groups specifically. Social norms interventions may minimise the influence of potentially-overestimated riskiness.

Moral Problems of the Girl- Child in Nigerian Secondary Education System

This study investigated into moral problems of the girl child in the Nigeria Secondary education System. The study sought for the immoral acts among girl children in secondary schools, the causes, effects and strategies to control it among girl child in the secondary schools. Four research questions guided the study. The population was the secondary school teachers in the Orumba South L.G.A Anambra State who were 175. The instrument for data collection was a questionnaire. The data collected were analyzed using mean. The results of the study among others indicated that so many immoral acts exist among girl children in the secondary schools, like pilfering, truancy, gossiping, prostitution etc. Among the causes were, poor family background, peer group influence, negative use of the media. In effect many drop out of school and indulge in exam malpractices. As a control parents and teachers should be role models. DOI: 10.5901/ajis.2013.v2n10p47

Writing Men: Recognising the sociological value of counter-hegemonic masculinities in American fiction

This article sets out to stimulate discussion on the sociological value of fiction in the wider study of men and masculinities in society. Identifying masculinity as a major theme of the American literary tradition, this article engages in a case study analysis of canonical writers of contemporary American fiction, namely Paul Auster, Don DeLillo, and Bret Easton Ellis. Engaging with Raewyn Connell’s concept of hegemonic masculinity to analyse critically the protagonists of these authors allows a range of issues to emerge - namely the impact of fatherhood, the influence of the male peer group, and the impact globalization of the performance of masculinity. Gendering our reading of fiction in this manner succeeds in illustrating that these authors are intent on not simply depicting masculinity as a social and historical construction but that they seek to challenge the established ideological image of hegemonic masculinity by writing counter-hegemonic narratives.

Adolescentes y consumo nocivo de alcohol: Chile 2009: mirando a las políticas públicas

Adolescent alcohol and drug consumption are important public health problems in the Chilean young population. The purpose of this study was to examine the potential ofa data mining approach in scaffolding policy making, using the particular case of differential risks of harmful alcohol consumption in adolescent students. Index and control groups were composed by 7918 and 7138 participants respectively (drawn from a CONACE survey 2009), aged 16 ± 2 years, 52% mole. Heavy drinking at last month was the independent variable. As dependent variables parenting style, peer group influence, age and sex were used. For data analysis, a data mining approach was applied (CART, SPSS version 15). The peer group influence was the main discriminant variable in males and the total sample, proving to be the only relevant variable in the case of women. The results suggest how a data mining approach may be useful in order to develop a hard data scaffolding for making and implementing policies in general and policies addressing adolescent alcohol consumption in particular.

Sociological Factors To Drug Abuse And The Effects On Secondary School Students Academic Performance In Ekiti And Ondo States, Nigeria

This study examined the influence of drug abuse on secondary school students in relation to their family background, family cohesion, peer group influence, and students academic performance. Descriptive research design of the survey type and an inventory were used for the study. The population comprised all secondary school students in Ekiti and Ondo States, while the sample consisted of 460 students that were found to be using drugs in Ekiti and Ondo states. Simple random sampling was used to select one school from each of the 16 local governments in Ekiti and one each from the 30 in Ondo state. Purposive sampling was used to select ten students from each school in the 16 local governments in Ekiti and ten each from the 30 local governments in Ondo states. The instruments used for collection of data were a self-designed questionnaire called Drug Abuse Questionnaire (DAQ) and an inventory for collection of students results. The data were analysed using Pearson Moment Correlation Analysis. The four hypotheses raised were tested at 0.5 level of significance. The study determined that there was significant relationship between family background, peer influence, family cohesion, and drug abuse. In the study, it was also discovered that drug abuse negatively affects students academic performance in Ekiti and Ondo States. It is therefore recommended that parents should give their children moral, social, psychological, and financial support to guide them against negative peer and societal influences.

The Role of Social Networks in Physical and Relational Aggression Among Young Adolescents

Despite the veritable influence of the peer context on the elaboration of adolescent aggression, few studies of relational aggression have directly identified and measured peer groups, limiting our ability to draw formal conclusions about the level and nature of peer influence. The current study used a developmental framework to examine peer group influence on individual levels of physical and relational aggression over a year with 6th and 7th grade students (n=346, 51% female). A multilevel network approach was used in which peer groups were identified via social network analysis, and peer group influence was evaluated with hierarchical linear modeling (HLM). HLM analyses indicated that peer group aggression (physical and relational) at time 1 was predictive of individual aggression levels at time 2 after controlling for other peer group characteristics as well as other individual risk and protective factors. Although both forms of aggression were embedded in peer networks, findings suggest that physical aggression is relatively less endemic to peer networks, and is more likely to occur in smaller, predominantly male networks. The current study highlights the importance of understanding the influence of peer group membership on adolescent aggression and points to important implications for prevention.