Latent Class Analysis of Peer Conformity: Who Is Yielding to Pressure and Why?
Document Type
Article
Department
Community and Global Health (CGU)
Publication Date
2012
Disciplines
Behavioral Disciplines and Activities | Behavior and Behavior Mechanisms | Community Health | Community Health and Preventive Medicine | Medicine and Health Sciences | Mental and Social Health | Public Health
Abstract
This study used latent class analysis to examine typologies of peer conformity in a community sample of middle school students. Students responded to 31 items assessing diverse facets of conformity dispositions. The most parsimonious model produced three qualitatively distinct classes that differed on the basis of conformity to recreational activities, deviant behaviors, style conformity, and social comparison. Gender comparisons suggested relatively stable class proportions for males and females but also significant parameter differences in tests of measurement invariance for latent class indicators. Multinomial logistic regression models predicting class membership from auxiliary covariates and psychosocial risk indicated that compared to mild conformists deviance conforming youth were more likely to be White, have low self-esteem, refrain from using adaptive coping skills, and be more socially anxious. Socially conforming youth were more likely to be male, White, and have low self-esteem. Findings are discussed with regard to classic definitions of conformity and its role as a developmental phenomenon.
Rights Information
Copyright © 2012 by Sage Publications
Terms of Use & License Information
DOI
10.1177/0044118X12454307
Recommended Citation
Kosten, Paul A.; Scheier, Lawrence M.; and Grenard, Jerry L., "Latent Class Analysis of Peer Conformity: Who Is Yielding to Pressure and Why?" (2012). CGU Faculty Publications and Research. 151.
https://scholarship.claremont.edu/cgu_fac_pub/151
