Adolescence at the Crossroads of Influences

A few (simple) tools for understanding their complexity and dynamics…

Teenagers tend to adopt behaviors similar to those of their friends, and they also tend to befriend peers who share similar interests and behaviors.

• How do affinity groups evolve?
• What role does behavioral similarity play in the formation of friendships?
• Conversely, what role do friendships play in the homogenization of behaviors—whether healthy or risky?

To address these questions, Professor van Geert will present a computer tool that, drawing on research in social psychology, provides an intuitive simulation of the complexity of adolescents’ social interactions and the resulting behavioral dynamics. This will allow us to observe how adolescents’ behavioral profiles evolve in response to their social interactions, as well as how those interactions evolve in response to the behaviors they exhibit.

This event is organized by the Chair of Sports Psychology at the University of Montpellier Foundation, with support from Banque Populaire du Sud and the City of Montpellier, as part of the Jean Bilard Days.