Peer influences on sexual violence perpetration among early adolescents

Abstract

Multilevel modeling and social network analysis were used to investigate sexual violence perpetration among middle school youth. Specifically, peer group contextual and socialization effects, and the influence of traditional masculinity ideology and dismissive attitudes toward sexual violence on perpetration of sexual violence over a six month period. Participants included 191 6th (n = 61), 7th (n = 55) and 8th (n = 75) grade students from one Midwestern middle school. Results indicated that peer groups play a prominent role in predicting sexual violence perpetration in early adolescence. Additionally, greater adherence to traditional masculinity attitudes was significantly predictive of individual level sexual violence perpetration. Furthermore, peer group level endorsement of dismissive attitudes toward sexual violence was significantly predictive of individual level sexual violence perpetration. Sexual violence prevention programming must address peer influences. This research was supported by Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (#1U01/CE001677) to Dorothy Espelage (PI).