Normative Integration, Alienation, and Conformity in Adolescent Groups.

Data from 61 children's groups indicate that early adolescent (modal age 10 years) and late adolescent (modal age 15 years) children's groups are characterized by high levels of normative integration, or norm consensus. In contrast, groups passing through middle adolescence (modal age 11-14 years) are characterized by significantly lower levels of normative integration. The findings are discussed with reference to current formulations concerning adolescent role discontinuities, alienation, and contra-cultures. Group normative integration is not differentially associated with group size or social class but is significantly related to variations in age, sex, camp environment, and conformity to perceived peer group expectations (r= .87). (Author)