background Low resting heart rate is associated with and predictive of antisocial behavior. Previous studies suggest that this relationship may be moderated by the peer context. From a person-environment interaction perspective, it was hypothesised that low resting heart rate in preadolescence is positively associated with antisocial behavior in adverse peer contexts, whereas being in a supportive peer context would have a buffering effect. Furthermore, analyses were adjusted for family context (i.e., family break-up and socioeconomic status (ses).
aim From a person-environment interaction perspective, it was hypothesised that low resting heart rate in preadolescence is positively associated with antisocial behavior in adverse peer contexts, whereas being in a supportive peer context would have a buffering effect. Furthermore, analyses were adjusted for family context (i.e., family break-up and ses).
method Data came from a subsample of The TRacking Adolescents’ Individual Lives Survey (trails) study (n = 1753; 48.5% boys). Peer context was assessed using peer-assessed behavior of class mates and friends on support and bullying/antisocial behavior.
results Regression analyses showed that low resting heart rate in preadolescence and peer context were associated with antisocial behavior. Moreover, interactions indicated that low resting heart rate was only associated with antisocial behavior in preadolescents in adverse peer contexts. Low resting heart rate was also predictive of boys’ antisocial behavior in adolescence, irrespective of classmates’ and friends’ pro- and antisocial behavior and family context.
conclusion To conclude, we found support for a person-environment interaction in preadolescence: the relationship between low resting heart rate and antisocial behavior was only present in adverse peer contexts.