Stability and variability of adolescents' affiliation with delinquent friends: Predictors and consequences

The effects of stability versus change in adolescents' affiliation with delinquent or non-delinguent friends over a two-year period (T1-T2) on delinquent behavior one year later (T3) were examined. In addition, T1 predictors of stability and change in the affiliation with delinquent or nondelinquent friends from TI to T2 were assessed Participants were 152 adolescents (77 girls, mean age 12.1 years at TI). Friends' delinquent behavior was assessed through friends' self-reports. The TI predictor variables included adolescents' own delinquent behavior: attitude toward delinquent behavior, and parental monitoring. Adolescents' friendship affiliations at T2, but not at TI, predicted delinquent behavior at T3, suggesting a recency effect of friendship affiliation. Attitude toward delinquent behavior at T1 was the main predictor of stability versus change in adolescents' affiliation with delinquent or nondeliquent friends from TI to T2.