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Received: 10 March 2009 / Accepted: 27 May 2009 / Published online: 9 June 2009
© Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2009
Abstract Although peer networks have been implicated as influential in a range of adolescent behaviors, little is known about relationships between peer network structures and risk for intimate partner violence (IPV) among youth. This study is a descriptive analysis of how peer network "types" may be related to subsequent risk for IPV perpetration among adolescents using data from 3,030 male respondents to the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Sampled youth were a mean of 16 years of age when surveyed about the nature of their peer networks, and 21.9 when asked to report about IPV perpetration in their adolescent and early adulthood relationships. A latent class analysis of the size, structure, gender composition and delinquency level of friendship groups identified four unique profiles of peer network structures. Men in the group type characterized by small, dense, mostly male peer networks with higher levels of delinquent behavior reported higher rates of subsequent IPV perpetration than men whose adolescent network type was characterized by large, loosely connected groups of less delinquent male and female friends. Other factors known to be antecedents and correlates of IPV perpetration varied in their distribution across the peer group types, suggesting that different configurations of risk for relationship aggression can be found across peer networks. Implications for prevention programming and future research are addressed.
Keywords Intimate partner violence * Perpetration * Peer networks
Introduction
The perpetration of intimate partner violence (IPV) has long been recognized as a complex behavior (e.g. Heise 1998). Although believed to have antecedents at multiple levels, most research has examined IPV risk factors that emerge from individual-level or family of origin characteristics and experiences. However, emerging work demonstrates that other factors, notably the behaviors and perceived attitudes of peers, also are linked to risk for physical (Arriaga and Foshee 2004) and sexual (Abbey et al. 2001) aggression against women. In light of this, greater information is needed about the role of peer influences. Previous research has largely focused on how single aspects of peer relationships (such as perceived attitudes) are related to risk for aggression, with less attention to how multiple characteristics of peers may...