Peer-Friendship Networks and Self-injurious Thoughts and Behaviors in Adolescence: A Systematic Review of Sociometric School-based Studies that Use Social Network Analysis

Abstract Peers, particularly in-school peers, shape adolescent health behaviors. Yet little is known about peers and self-injurious thoughts This systematic review examined studies of sociometric school-based peer-friendship networks associations with A search across five databases identified fifteen eligible studies. Studies were mainly longitudinal (n=13), from two countries (USA China), adolescents aged 11-19 at baseline, mostly balanced in gender (46%-56% girls), middle/high schools ranging size (n=348-13482). assessed 1) network structure 2) exposure to friends’ self-injury suicidality. Friends’ behaviors associated adolescents’ own similar behaviors, but there was limited evidence for socialization selection. Sociality density negatively whereas isolation intransitivity positively associated. While study heterogeneity made it difficult draw further conclusions specific metrics (e.g., centrality, reciprocity), indicate overall that matter these development early late adolescence). Like other the how youth are connected also relates Future work should examine processes over course development.