ANR-Lab seminar 'Network Dynamics and Adolescent Risk Behavior: The Case of Russian Vocational Schools'

This study examines how peer network dynamics contribute to adolescent risk behaviors in Russian vocational schools. It focuses on two mechanisms of network effects: peer selection (tendency to befriend others with similar behaviors) and peer influence (tendency to adopt behaviors of friends). Longitudinal friendship network data from vocational school classes were analyzed using a stochastic actor-oriented model (RSiena) to disentangle selection and influence processes. The behaviors studied include alcohol use, smoking and sexual activity. Preliminary results of the analysis reveal distinct patterns by behavior. Alcohol use showed both selection and influence effects, indicating that adolescents prefer friends with similar drinking habits and also adjust their alcohol use to align with their peers. Smoking demonstrated a peer selection effect - smokers tend to form friendships with fellow smokers – but no significant peer influence on smoking behavior was detected. For sexual behavior, by contrast, a peer influence effect emerged without any selection effect: having friends who are sexually active increased an adolescent’s likelihood of becoming sexually active, yet adolescents did not choose friends based on sexual experience. Further directions for the research will be discussed.

The seminar language is English.

Registration is required to participate.