Youth in Group Home Care: An Investigation of Negative Peer Influence and Youth Antisocial Behavior

Abstract

The risk of delinquent to antisocial behaviors among youth (teenagers) seem to be more prevalent in group homes than other foster homes. The aim of this study was to examine the association between negative peer influence and youth antisocial behaviors in group homes. Participants were 875 youth aged 10 to 17 at baseline (2010–2011). Logistic regression modeled antisocial behavior and tested the hypothesis that negative peer influence will predict youth antisocial behaviors cross sectionally at baseline and longitudinally after 3-year follow up, and negative peer influence will be moderated by group home size. The Ontario Looking after Children database was used for analysis. Findings indicate that negative peer influence predicts youths’ risk of antisocial behavior (at baseline). The risk increased almost five folds in 3 years. At baseline (OR = 1.65) and (OR = 4.90) after 3 years. Generally, findings suggest negative peer influence underscores youth antisocial behaviors in group homes.