Relational Profiles and Cooperative Behavior Among Early Adolescents: A Cross-Cohort Comparison Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

INTRODUCTION This study examined whether early adolescents' relationship profiles and cooperative behavior differed between pre-pandemic and during-pandemic cohorts. Grounded in a person-centered perspective of bonding social capital, the study focused on relationship patterns across parents, peers, and teachers.

Methods

Using data from two nationally representative cohorts of first-year middle school students (2018, n = 2550; 2021, n = 2452; ages 12-13; approximately 50% male) in South Korea, latent profile analysis identified subgroups based on bonding social capital across relational contexts. A known-class approach was used to compare differences in profile distribution between cohorts. Associations with subjective socioeconomic status and cooperative behavior were also examined.

Results

Three profiles emerged: Low, Moderate, and High Relational Support Profiles. Adolescents assessed during the pandemic were less likely to belong to the High Relational Support Profile and more likely to fall into the Moderate Relational Support Profile compared with adolescents in the pre-pandemic cohort. Profile membership was significantly associated with subjective socioeconomic status. Cooperative behavior differed across profiles, with higher levels observed among adolescents embedded in more relationally supportive contexts.

Conclusions

Findings indicate that the pandemic was associated with differences in the distribution of relational profiles rather than a structural reconfiguration of relationship patterns. Relational embeddedness remained a significant correlate of cooperative behavior, underscoring the role of supportive relationship contexts during periods of social disruption.