De Populariteit van Antisociale Adolescenten: het Longitudinale Verband tussen Antisociaal Gedrag en Sportiviteit

Abstract

Moffitt (1993) describes that adolescents with antisocial behaviour gain popularity among peers, but disregards prosocial behaviours such as athleticism. Previous studies have incessantly found direct positive effects of antisocial behaviour and athleticism to peer-perceived popularity. This longitudinal study examines the main effects of antisocial behaviour and athleticism in popularity and whether these variables are mutually reinforcing. Furthermore, we examined if gender made a difference within the association of athleticism and popularity. The analyses are done on data of the SNARE project including 1209 Dutch adolescents (11-15 year) (Social Network Analysis of Risk behavior in adolescence Early). Antisocial behaviour is measured by self-report; athleticism and perceived popularity are measured by peer nominations. Results from the multiple linear regression analysis demonstrate no interaction-effect between antisocial behaviour and athleticism on peer-perceived popularity at a cross-sectional and longitudinal level. This implies that antisocial adolescents who seem sporty aren’t more popular amongst peers. At a longitudinal level only the increase of athleticism and previous popularity increases perceived popularity. Furthermore, boys are as popular as girls. The current research is insufficient to exclude athleticism completely as a moderator in the theory of Moffitt (1993). Further research is needed to test specific antisocial behaviours in athleticism.