Direct and Indirect Pathways in the Link between Parental Constructive Behavior and Adolescent Affiliation with Achievement-Oriented Peers.

A longitudinal data set from nine California and Wisconsin high schools (from 9th through 12th grades, with an approximate age range from 14 through 18) was used to investigate the direct and indirect pathways through which parental constructive behavior influences adolescent association with achievement-oriented friends. Cross-sectionally, Time 1 parental constructive behavior had both direct and indirect influence on the perceived achievement orientation of friends at Time 1. Longitudinally, Time 2 parental constructive behavior had a direct effect on an increase in perceived achievement orientation of friends at Time 2 net of Time 1 variables. A point to be emphasized is parental influence on peer affiliation in later adolescence remains significant even as parental involvement in adolescents' lives diminishes. In addition, the direct effect of Time 2 parental constructive behavior was stronger for boys than for girls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]