Peer group delinquency and sexual victimization: does popularity matter?

This study sought to measure whether a female’s popularity in adolescence increases or decreases their risk of sexual assault victimization within their peer group.

 

Summary: Data were obtained from the first two waves of the Add Health survey.  The analytic dataset consisted of 3,354 female adolescents in grades 7-12.   The participants were asked about unwanted sexual intercourse and delinquency behaviors (i.e., drinking, smoking). The structure of the students’ peer network and their self-reported factors of popularity were also analyzed.  Female adolescents that were members of largely male peer groups were not at an increased risk for sexual victimizations. Females who considered themselves to be popular and a part of a large, typical peer group were also at a low risk of sexual victimization.  However, if the peer group frequently engaged in delinquent activities, female youth  were more likely to experience sexually victimization, especially when heavy drinking was a common occurrence. 

 

Application/Evaluation:  This article may be useful to professionals who work with female adolescents and want to lower risks for sexual victimization.

 

Limitations:  The study was focused solely on female adolescents and their sexual assault experiences.

Author: 
Stogner, J., Miller, J. M., Fisher, B. S., Stewart, E. A., & Schreck, C. J.
Reprint Status: 
notinfile
Start Page: 
62
End Page: 
81
Journal/Periodical Name: 
Women & Criminal Justice
Volume: 
24
Issue: 
1
Publication Date: 
2014