The Broader Context of Relational Aggression in Adolescent Romantic Relationships: Predictions from Peer Pressure and Links to Psychosocial Functioning
- Resource Type
- Academic Journal
- Authors
- Schad, Megan M.; Szwedo, David E.; Antonishak, Jill; Hare, Amanda; Allen, Joseph P.
- Source
- Journal of Youth & Adolescence. Mar 01, 2008 37(3):346-358
- Subject
- Language
- English
- ISSN
- 0047-2891
The broader context of relational aggression in adolescent romantic relationships was assessed by considering the ways such aggression emerged from prior experiences of peer pressure and was linked to concurrent difficulties in psychosocial functioning. Longitudinal, multi-reporter data were obtained from 97 adolescents and their best friends at age 15 and from adolescents and their romantic partners at age 18. Teensʼ relational aggression and romantic partnersʼ victimization were predicted from levels of best friendsʼ pressuring behaviors toward teens in an observed interaction as well as from best friendsʼ ratings of how much pressure teens experienced from their peer group. Romantic partner relational aggression and teen victimization were predicted by pressure from teensʼ peer group only. Adolescentsʼ romantic relational aggression and victimization were also associated with elevated levels of depressive symptoms and increased alcohol use. Results are discussed in terms of the connection of relational aggression in romantic relationships to the broader task of establishing autonomy with peers in psychosocial development.