Antisocial Behavior in Adolescents: Peer and Neighborhood Influences

Introduction

The importance of socialization contexts outside of the family has been well documented. In particular, neighborhood factors (e.g., violence, collective efficacy) and peer relationship factors (e.g., relationship quality, peer deviancy) have both been linked to a number of adolescent outcomes, such as self-esteem, academic competence, pro-social behavior, and antisocial behavior (Ingoldsby & Shaw, 2002; Rubin, Bukowski, & Parker, 2006). In addition to links with child and adolescent adjustment, there is preliminary evidence that these socialization experiences outside of the family may shape what goes on inside the family (Kramer & Kowal, 2005; Laird, Criss, Pettit, Bates, & Dodge, 2009). That is, peer and neighborhood characteristics may be related to parenting and family relationships. For example, disadvantaged and dangerous neighborhood quality has been linked to poor parenting in families (Capaldi, DeGarmo, Patterson, & Forgatch, 2002; Simons, Johnson, Beaman, Conger, & Whitbeck, 1996).

This essay explores the methodological approaches discussed in the literature regarding antisocial behavior disorder among adolescents. In particular, it focuses on the link between neighborhood and peer behavior and adolescents' antisocial behavior.

Research studies have shown that youth learn certain skills and behaviors within the family context that are then carried into peer relationships (Criss, Shaw, Moilanen, Hitchings, & Ingoldsby, 2009). It has also been found that some skills and behaviors are learned within peer experiences and spill over into the family. Possible reasons for why extra-familial socialization experiences influence family factors are also considered.

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