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Friends are sometimes similar in their academic motivation. The current study examines the mechanisms underlying similarity by disentangling selection and influence processes in adolescent friendship networks, using longitudinal data. A total of 495 adolescents from an independent school for girls were assessed for their academic motivation (including perceived competence, interest, boredom, autonomous motivation, grit, mindset and value) and social network information, annually, for 3 years. Stochastic actor-based modelling showed both selection and influence effects for perseverance of effort, a measure of grit, meaning that peers nominated friends whose level of perseverance was similar (selection), and also that friends influenced each other, becoming more similar in their perseverance over time (influence). Growth mindset also showed an influence effect. Additionally, a selection effect was found for adolescents’ level of value. These results suggest social dynamics play an important role in effort-related motivation constructs. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.

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