Abstract
Research investigating cultural dimensions to explain differences in peer aggression across countries is scant, while few if any studies have investigated harmful adolescent peer aggression. We sought to contribute to this under-researched area by examining the relationship of harmful adolescent peer aggression across 12 countries using Hoftsede’s 6 cultural dimensions as well as happiness scores. Our aim was to compare only harmful peer aggression, cultural values and happiness in different cultures. Data collected from over 7,000 students aged 11-16 who completed a purpose-built questionnaire that assessed harmful peer aggression and Hofstede’s cultural dimension scores for different countries were used in the analyses.
Results showed a positive association of harmful adolescent peer aggression with the cultural dimensions of Power-Distance and Masculinity. A strong positive association was evident with the cultural dimension of Uncertainty Avoidance, but only for locations with Uncertainty Avoidance scores above the threshold of 60. Below this threshold no association was apparent. A negative association was found between harmful adolescent peer aggression and the cultural dimension of Long-term Orientation and happiness. However, no association was evident between harmful adolescent peer aggression and the cultural dimension of Individualism-Collectivism, raising as a possible explanation that schools epitomise collective sub-cultures. The applicability of Hofstede’s 6 cultural dimensions in adolescent cohorts was
questioned and suggestions made that cultural influences on adolescents living in different cultures requires more research.