Multidimensional similarity in multiplex networks: friendships between same- and cross-gender bullies and same- and cross-gender victims

Abstract

Similar peers are more likely to become friends, but it remains unclear how the combination of multiple characteristics, known as multidimensional similarity, influences friendships. This study aimed to investigate whether similarity in gender (attribute) and bullying or victimization (network position) contributes to friendships. The school-level networks of friendships and victim-bully relationships in 17 Dutch elementary schools (2,130 students) were examined using multiplex longitudinal social network models (RSiena). The results showed that friendships were more likely to occur between same-gender peers and between bullies sharing their targets of victimization. Multidimensional similarity (similarities in gender as well as bullying) increased the likelihood of friendships for same-gender bullies targeting the same victims, but not for same-gender victims sharing bullies. The findings underline the importance of unraveling the interplay between different dimensions of similarity for children’s relationships and surpass unidimensional similarity based on single attributes.

Network selection and influence effects on children’s and adolescents’ internalizing behaviors and peer victimization: A systematic review

“…Furthermore, recent work suggests the utility of using SAOMs to examine the role of multiplex relationships in peer selection and influence processes. For example, selection and influence processes related to peer victimization may depend on multiplex dynamics between dyadic bullying and defending relationships (Huitsing et al, 2014) or between dyadic victim-bully relationships and friendships (Hooijsma et al, 2020;Rambaran et al, 2020). Furthermore, because most SAOM studies focus on positive relationships like friendship, future research should examine the role of negative relationships, such as dyadic victim-bully relationships, in selection and influence processes related to internalizing behaviors.…”

“…Some studies limited the nominations ranging from a low of three nominations to a high of twenty nominations (Lodder et al, 2016). Other studies, including research using the Dutch KiVa dataset (Hooijsma et al, 2020;Huitsing et al, 2014;Rambaran et al, 2020), allowed for unlimited nominations. The response rates in most studies were 80% or higher in each network, but other studies reported lower response rates for some networks Sentse et al, 2013;Sijtsema et al, 2013).…”

Social Network Approaches to Bullying and Victimization

“…An explanation is that "defenders of bullies" assisted bullies first, but then are influenced to turn their aggression also to the victims (Figure 11.3.b → Figure 11.3.c). A recent study documented that the friendships between bullies were more likely for same-sex than for crosssex bullies (Hooijsma et al, 2020). Other studies on negative relations (general dislike: "Who do you dislike") also found evidence for influence effects, suggesting that, over time, friends 13 had a tendency to agree about whom to dislike (Berger & Dijkstra, 2013;Pál, Stadtfeld, Grow, & Takács, 2016;Rambaran, Dijkstra, Munniksma, & Cillessen, 2015).…”

Social Network Approaches to Bullying and Victimization

“…An explanation is that "defenders of bullies" assisted bullies first, but then are influenced to turn their aggression also to the victims (Figure 11.3.b → Figure 11.3.c). A recent study documented that the friendships between bullies were more likely for same-sex than for crosssex bullies (Hooijsma et al, 2020). Other studies on negative relations (general dislike: "Who do you dislike") also found evidence for influence effects, suggesting that, over time, friends had a tendency to agree about whom to dislike (Berger & Dijkstra, 2013;Pál, Stadtfeld, Grow, & Takács, 2016;Rambaran, Dijkstra, Munniksma, & Cillessen, 2015).…”