Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of peer influences on
adolescent/youth’s concept of self (self-worth). Previous research has shown that strong
relationships with peers have been linked with perceived self-worth and high levels of pro-social
behavior. Moreover, research provides evidence for a relationship between social support, mental
health and stress.
Methods: Community-based, survey research conducted in high poverty areas of Mobile and
Pritchard, Alabama. Secondary data analysis conducted using the Mobile Youth Survey for years
2007 and 2008. Participants included African American adolescents/youths between the ages of
9-19 with parental/guardian consent.
Results: Sample included 2621 youths for 2007, and 2345 for 2008. Correlations show the
strongest statistical significance between boyfriend/girlfriend (Bf/Gf) support and friend support
with Overall Self-worth (OSW) at .26 (p< 0.01) in 2007 and .31 (p< 0.01) in 2008. Behavioral
self-worth (BSW) showed the lowest self-worth scores across all gender and age groups with
56% (n=1731) scoring a low score. Females showed the highest scores in BSW 52% (n=594),
General Self-worth 78% (n=895), OSW 57% (n=650) and showed the strongest support from
friends 79% (n=577) and bf/gf support 51% (n=248) in 2008.
Conclusions: Study results suggest that youth that have high support from friends or bf/gf tend
to have higher self-worth scores; the greater support a youth receives, the higher their self-worth.
However, low friend or bf/gf support scores do not always yield low self-worth scores. Results
have significance for social support and mental health interventions targeting adolescents.