Adolescent group identification, peer culture and treatment engagement

This study sought to further understand the relationship between peer group identification, peer culture and treatment engagement among adolescents. Participants were 59 male and female adolescents between ages 14 to 18, M = 15.9 SD = 1.21. Adolescent group home residents responded to questionnaires assessing group identification, strength of primary group identification, value orientation, treatment engagement and behavior change. Staff members rated adolescent behavior change and collaborative efforts. Results of this study suggest adolescents identifying with more prosocial groups like Sporty, Religious or Gamer, evidence increasing rates treatment engagement and behavior change when compared with those identifying with antisocial groups like Gang or Stoner.;Groups with which adolescents identify are relevant when considering treatment engagement in residential programs. Therapeutic considerations and the relative importance of group identity were discussed.