Examining Deviant Peer Association as a Predictor of Dual Systems Model Development: Testing for Moderation Effects of Age

Abstract

The dual systems model is a prominent developmental framework that focuses on the role of cognitive development for understanding risk for antisocial behavior during adolescence. Prior research has implicated deviant peer association as a potential risk factor for atypical cognitive development. The present study builds on the prior literature by examining deviant peer association as a predictor of the development of sensation-seeking and impulse control and examines age of exposure as a moderator of these relationships. Data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study were analyzed. Ordinary least squares regression was used to examine relationships of interest. Greater deviant peer association was found to predict diminished impulse control. Deviant peer association did not significantly predict sensation-seeking. Neither of these relationships were significantly moderated by age. Message framing may have implications for the treatment of impulse control issues.