DEVIANCY TRAINING IN MALE-ADOLESCENT FRIENDSHIPS

The conversations of 186 adolescent boys (13 to 14 years old) and thei r friends were videotaped and analyzed to understand the processes of influence associated with antisocial behavior. The videotaped discussi ons were coded with a system that captured the general topics (Normati ve vs. Rule-Breaking) as well as the reactions of the listener (Laugh vs. Pause). Matching law analyses confirmed a linear relationship betw een the dyadic rate of Rule-Breaking talk and contingent positive reac tions. Sequential analyses revealed a statistically reliable reciproca l pattern between Rule-Breaking talk and Laugh in the delinquent (both boys arrested) dyads, whereas in the mixed (one arrested) and nondeli nquent (neither arrested) dyads, reciprocation occurred between Normat ive talk and Laugh. Longitudinal analyses of the boys' behavior over t he ensuing 2 years revealed that the deviancy training sequence was pr ognostic of increases in self-reported delinquent behavior, even after controlling for prior levels of delinquency. It appears that discussi ons of deviancy play a critical role in organizing positive affective exchanges, thereby establishing problem behavior as a common ground ac tivity that potentially exacerbates adolescent social maladjustment. T hese findings are discussed with respect to developmental theory and i ntervention science.