Weidman's Model Of Socialization Theory

Theoretical Framework

Weidman’s (1989) model of socialization in learning institutions is perhaps the most appropriate theoretical model with which to investigate and interpret peer group influence. Adoption of Weidman’s model follows similar studies of peer effects by Dey (1996, 1997) and Milem (1998). Weidman conceptualizes the major influences on student change in learning institutions to be pre- learning institutions or student background characteristics, the academic and social normative context of an institution, and the impact of parental and non-college reference groups. Normative contexts are particularly important in Weidman 's model for influencing change in personal orientations during college. However, Weidman also made three

By focusing on peer group influences, this study concentrated on two parts of Weidman’s model, the normative context of informal peer groups and implicitly, the socialization process of interpersonal interaction.

To better understand how peer pressure, relationship knowledge, and risky sexual behaviors are connected, this study used social cognitive theory (SCT). SCT posits that behaviors are influenced by cognitive and environmental factors (Bandura, 1996). Bandura (1996) described a central tenet of SCT, asserting that “people’s behaviors are not definitely determined by internal forces/ or external stimulus. The behavior, environmental events, and cognitive and other personal forces are crucial factors that can explain human functioning” (p. 31). Bandura (1996) proposed that the development of individual psychological behavior can be attributed to many environmental factors, with the immediate surroundings, family, friends, and family socioeconomic status directly affecting a child’s growth. This

Social comparison theory (Festinger) predicts that upward comparisons with thin attractive models would lead to lowering of body esteem as long as participants considered models to be similar to them. In Western societies being thin is being beautiful. This is especially important for women as society tends to reward women with thin bodies(Cash & Henry, 1995). Because of the importance of thinness, there is great pressure on women to reduce their weight to achieve the ideal. Women who do not have the ideally thin body may act ‘‘against the environment’’ (p. 126) by dieting and exercising to force their natural body into conformance with the ‘‘norm’’ (Goodman).Not having the ideal thin body causes women to lose confidence and self-esteem.Psychologists have noted that ‘‘Opportunities for social comparison are ubiquitous, as everyday social interactions and the media, inundate us with information about other people’s accomplishments, actions, and lifestyles’’ (Lyubomirsky & Ross,1997, p. 1141). Media can affect women’s self-esteem and body esteem by becoming a reference point against which unfavorable comparisons are made. Most studies (e.g., Botta, 1999; Harrison & Cantor, 1997) suggest that social comparisons with media images increase body