This study investigated (1) to what extent the goal to be accepted by friends is an underlying function of overt aggressive behavior in adolescents, and (2) whether this function is more predictive than reactive aggression for overt aggressive behavior in first and second generation immigrants compared with natives. The sample comprised 339 native Austrians (51.6% girls), 126 first generation immigrants (48.4% girls), and 175second generation immigrants (54.3% girls) aged 14 to 19 (M=15.61). Data were collected via self-assessments. Multiple group latent means and covariance structures (MACS) models revealed that the goal to be accepted by friends was a stronger predictor than reactive aggression for overt aggressive behavior in first generation immigrants compared with second generation immigrants and natives. Furthermore, gender moderated these associations. The goal to be accepted by friends was a very strong predictor of overt aggressive behavior in first generation immigrant boys, but not in first generation immigrant girls. Results are discussed regarding the process of acculturation in first generation immigrant youth. © 2011 The Authors. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology © 2011 The Scandinavian Psychological Associations.

immigrants Reactive aggression Aggressive behavior Instrumental aggression Acceptance

social distance Interpersonal Relations psychological aspect human friend Self Report sex difference child behavior ethnology human relation Young Adult Humans Aggression Adolescent male Emigrants and Immigrants Acculturation female cultural factor peer group Article Adolescent Behavior adult migration Sex Factors Friends social class