Peer adversity as a predictor of interpersonal needs in adolescence

Joyce, Cali

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/105518 Copy

Description

Title

Peer adversity as a predictor of interpersonal needs in adolescence

Author(s)

Joyce, Cali

Issue Date

2019

Department of Study

Psychology

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Level

Thesis

Keyword(s)

• Psychology
• Peer Adversity
• Adolescence
• Need to Belong
• Need for Approval

Language

en

Abstract

The need to belong (NTB) and need for approval (NFA) are fundamental interpersonal needs necessary for social development. Although these are universal needs, it is important to also acknowledge that there are individual differences in the strength of these needs. The aim of the present study was to bridge a gap in the existing research regarding where individual differences in interpersonal needs originate, with a specific focus on the impact of peer experiences. Specifically, we examined the contribution of lifetime peer adversity (e.g., victimization, peer rejection, friendlessness, friendship conflict, loss of a friend, and romantic conflict or rejection) and recent victimization to both general and situation-specific interpersonal needs. Results revealed that recent victimization predicted avoidance NFA, whereas a significant interaction between lifetime peer adversity and recent victimization predicted approach NFA. Although individual differences in general NTB were not significantly predicted by lifetime peer adversity or recent victimization, both predicted threats to interpersonal needs in the context of a laboratory manipulation of social exclusion. Specifically, both lifetime peer adversity and recent victimization predicted greater need-threat prior to the exclusion, but only individuals who had experienced lifetime peer adversity continued to display ongoing high levels of threatened interpersonal needs.

Type of Resource

text

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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/105518

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2019 Cali Joyce

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