AN ECOLOGICALLY DIFFERENTIATED, MULTIFACTOR MODEL OF ADOLESCENT NETWORK ORIENTATION

The paper presents a test of an ecologically differentiated model of s ocial network orientation for adolescents that distinguished between d ifferent social network reference groups (family, peers, and nonfamily adults). The model was tested in two consecutive studies. Study I des cribes initial model development (N = 120). Study 2 presents a confirm atory factor analysis with a second sample (N = 430) to replicate the factor structure developed in Study 1. Results supported a three-facto r model of network orientation that differentiated between network ref erence groups. Analyses of concurrent and predictive validity indicate d that orientation to network reference groups was differentially rela ted to the perceived quality and frequency of support from members of respective social network groups, croup differences (gender, race) reg arding network orientation to different network reference groups were consistent with studies of other social network processes. Implication s for the study of the network orientation and the study of social net works more generally are discussed.