Aggressive effects of prioritizing popularity in early adolescence

Antonius H.N. Cillessen, Lara Mayeux, Thao Ha, Eddy H. de Bruyn, Kathryn M. Lafontana

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

58 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study examined the moderating effects of prioritizing popularity on the association between early adolescents' popularity and their aggressive, leadership, and prosocial behaviors with peers. Participants were 288 14-year-olds from The Netherlands who completed a sociometric instrument and an assessment of how much they prioritized popularity over other personal goals. Results indicated that prioritizing popularity was distinct from actual popularity in the peer group. Further, prioritizing popularity moderated the association of popularity with aggressive and leadership behaviors, with adolescents who were both popular and who prioritized popularity being particularly aggressive and scoring high on leadership behaviors. This trend was especially true for boys. The same moderating effect was not found for prosocial behaviors. Motivational and social-cognitive factors in the dynamics of peer popularity are highlighted.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)204-213
Number of pages10
JournalAggressive Behavior
Volume40
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 2014
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Adolescence
  • Aggression
  • Popularity

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Developmental and Educational Psychology
  • Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous)
  • General Psychology

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