Abstract
BACKGROUND: Adolescent depression is a growing concern that warrants increased attention, and the peer effect based on peer networks has a fundamental influence on adolescent depression. However, little is known about the roles of self-deviant behavior and academic performance and stress in the influence of deviant peer affiliation on adolescent depression. METHODS: Based on the China Education Panel Survey data from 2013 to 2015 (n = 8311), this study explored the impact of deviant peer affiliation on adolescent depression. Additionally, it investigated the potential mediation and moderation effects of adolescent self-deviant behavior, academic performance, and academic stress. RESULTS: It is found that elevated deviant peer affiliation could significantly reduce adolescent depression. This negative effect remained significant after controlling for the selection bias and homophily of peer effect. Deviant peer affiliation elevated adolescent depression mainly because it increased adolescent own deviant behavior and academic stress and decreased their academic performance. The effect of deviant peer affiliation on adolescent depression was stronger in those with more self-deviant behaviors. Moreover, a mediated moderation effect of self-deviant behavior was also observed, suggesting that elevated self-deviant behavior weakened its mediation effect in the influence of deviant peer affiliation on adolescent depression. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to guide peer behaviors and affiliation and regulate adolescent deviant peer affiliation from a global perspective to avoid negative peer effects on adolescent depression.