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Influence and Similarity Among Friends: An Integrative Model Applied to Incarcerated Adolescents

NCJ Number
126437
Journal
Social Psychology Quarterly Volume: 52 Issue: 2 Dated: (1989) Pages: 98-112
Author(s)
L Jussim; D W Osgood
Date Published
1990
Length
14 pages
Annotation
A framework for disentangling interpersonal influence from selective attraction and effects of the shared environment is presented in a study of the relationships between values and friendship in a sample of incarcerated male adolescents.
Abstract
Several conceptual and methodological requirements for accomplishing this framework are specified, and two causal models are developed. The approach is illustrated via a study of delinquent values among 72 pairs of incarcerated male adolescents. Similarity in delinquent values served as a basis for the development of friendships among the pairs as well as a strong relationship between the individual's own delinquent values and their perceptions, not the reality, of their friends' delinquent values. Various areas of future research into interpersonal influence are suggested. 3 figures and 53 references. (Author abstract modified)