Exposure to externalizing peers in early childhood: homophily and peer contagion processes.
Guided by a transactional model, we examined the predictors and effects of exposure to externalizing peers in a low-risk sample of preschoolers and kindergarteners. On the basis of daily observations of peer interactions, we calculated measures of total exposure to externalizing peers and measures of exposure to same- and other-sex externalizing peers. Analyses of predictors of externalizing peer exposure supported a homophily hypothesis for girls. Tests of peer contagion effects varied by sex, and exposure to externalizing peers predicted multiple problem behaviors for girls but not for boys. Sex differences were a function of children's own sex, but not of peers' sex. The study provides evidence of externalizing peer exposure effects in a low-risk sample of young children, notably for girls.
Hanish
Laura D
LD
Department of Family and Human Development, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287-2502, USA. laura.hanish@asu.edu
Martin
Carol Lynn
CL
Fabes
Richard A
RA
Leonard
Stacie
S
Herzog
Melissa
M
D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D002657:Child Development; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002755:Choice Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007100:Imitative Behavior; D008297:Male; D010379:Peer Group; D010988:Play and Playthings; D011582:Psychological Theory; D012737:Sex Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D012919:Social Behavior