Which statement describing the influence of antisocial behavior in the peer group on children and adolescents' levels of antisocial behavior is MOST accurate?
A) Children with no antisocial tendencies are likely to be influenced by the peer group or by gangs to become aggressive.
B) Children who are antisocial and aggressive are more likely to be involved with antisocial peer groups and gangs, but these peer groups and gangs do not influence them to engage in more antisocial behavior.
C) Children who are antisocial and aggressive are more likely to be involved with antisocial peer groups and gangs, and these peer groups and gangs increase their likelihood of engaging in more antisocial behavior.
D) Children with no antisocial tendencies can influence their peer group or gang to become less aggressive.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Research has shown that children and adolescents who are already exhibiting antisocial and aggressive behavior are more likely to be involved with antisocial peer groups and gangs, and these groups further increase their likelihood of engaging in more antisocial behavior. This is known as the contagion effect, where the behavior of peer group members is contagious and can influence the behavior of an individual in the group. Children with no antisocial tendencies are not likely to be influenced by the peer group or by gangs to become aggressive, and it is unlikely that they can influence their peer group or gang to become less aggressive.

Which Statement Describing the Influence of Antisocial Behavior in the Peer