Why are some aggressive adolescents popular: Subgroups of Chinese aggressive youth

Li Niu, Purdue University

Abstract

This study examined the heterogeneity of Chinese aggressive adolescents to assess why some aggressive youths are popular and others are not. The sample included 1548 adolescents from eighth and eleventh grade in China and data were obtained from self-reports, teacher reports, and peer assessments. Results from a subgroup analysis in which aggressive youths were classified into high, average, and low popularity subgroups and a k-means cluster analysis indicated that there were two heterogeneous subgroups of aggressive youths who exhibited distinct behavioral profiles. Popular aggressive youths differed from less popular aggressive youths in their higher levels of aggression, prosocial behavior, self-regulation, academic achievement, athleticism, and attractiveness. These results revealed the existence of a small group of popular aggressive youth in Chinese school who differ in multiple ways from those aggressive youths who are not popular.

Degree

M.S.

Advisors

French, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Asian Studies|Developmental psychology

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