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Exposure to Externalizing Peers in Early Childhood: Homophily and Peer Contagion Processes

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Abstract

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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Family and Human Development, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona

    Laura D. Hanish, Carol Lynn Martin, Richard A. Fabes, Stacie Leonard & Melissa Herzog

  2. Department of Family and Human Development, Arizona State University, Box 872502, Tempe, Arizona, 85287-2502

    Laura D. Hanish

Authors
  1. Laura D. Hanish
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  2. Carol Lynn Martin
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  3. Richard A. Fabes
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  4. Stacie Leonard
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  5. Melissa Herzog
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Correspondence to Laura D. Hanish.

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Contributed equally to the conceptualization of this project

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Hanish, L.D., Martin, C.L., Fabes, R.A. et al. Exposure to Externalizing Peers in Early Childhood: Homophily and Peer Contagion Processes. J Abnorm Child Psychol 33, 267–281 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-005-3564-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-005-3564-6

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